Jamestown - 3

In 1619, a “representative government” was implemented in Jamestown at the insistence of the colonists. It was also the year that the first Africans came to America. They were aboard a Dutch ship that had encountered substantial damage in a storm. The 20 Africans were originally destined for the slave market in Mexico, but were traded to the colonists in exchange for repairs to the ship. These new workers were given the status of “indentured servants” as was the common practice at the time in England. It wasn't until later in the 17th century that actual slavery for life was practiced by the colonists. It's interesting to note that the first known slave to be recognized by the colonial government was in 1654. In this unusual civil case, Anthony Johnson - who was himself one of the original 20 Africans brought to Jamestown in 1619 – alleged that John Cursor was his property for life. The court agreed with Mr. Johnson and Cursor was ordered to return to his service.

In 1624, because of several incidents including the Indian Massacre of 1622 and because of alleged misconduct on the part of officers on the Virginia Company in London, King James canceled the charter and established Jamestown as a Royal Colony. Jamestown continued as the capitol of the Virginia Colony until its transfer to Williamsburg in 1698.