The Gunpowder Incident (or Gunpowder Affair) is a conflict early in the American Revolutionary War between Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of the Colony of Virginia, and militia led by Patrick Henry.
On April 20, 1775, one day after the Battles of Lexington and Concord (and well before news of that event reaches Virginia), Lord Dunmore orders the removal of the gunpowder from the magazine in Williamsburg, Virginia to a Royal Navy ship.
This action sparks local unrest, and militia companies begin mustering throughout the colony.
Patrick Henry leads a small militia force toward Williamsburg to force return of the gunpowder to the colony's control.
The matter is resolved without conflict when a payment of £330 is made to Henry.
Dunmore, fearing for his personal safety, later retreats to a naval vessel, ending royal control of the colony.
