Timeline of

Virginia History

1607

Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement

The first permanent English settlement in North America is founded at Jamestown.  This marked the beginning of English colonization in North America. The Virginia militia itself dates back to 1607, established as part of the English militia system in the colonies. Article by Henricus Historical Park Staff On December 20,…Read More

1609

First Anglo-Powhatan War

First Anglo-Powhatan War

Just two years after the establishment of Jamestown, English colonists found themselves embroiled in a struggle against the powerful Powhatan Chiefdom, the Algonquian-speaking group in control of Virginia’s coastal region. Article by Henricus Historical Park Staff 1609-1614- Virginia: First Anglo-Powhatan War This war, the First Anglo-Powhatan War, threatened the very…Read More

1619

House of Burgesses

House of Burgesses

The first representative legislative assembly in the Americas is established in Virginia. This event is significant because it marked the beginning of representative government in the colonies.

1622

Second Anglo-Powhatan War

Second Anglo-Powhatan War

The Second Anglo-Powhatan War erupted with devastating ferocity on March 22, 1622. After eight years of relative peace between the English colonists and the Powhatan Chiefdom in Virginia, Powhatan leaders like Opechancanough (Chief Powhatan’s brother) orchestrated a deadly surprise attack on settlements along the James River. Article by Henricus Historical…Read More

1644

Third Anglo-Powhatan War

Third Anglo-Powhatan War

The Third-Anglo Powhatan War was the last war between the English and the Powhatan in colonial Virginia. As the shortest of these three wars, it was also the least in question. The Second Anglo-Powhatan War (1622-1632) had left the Powhatan depleted and exhausted, while the English grew more powerful and…Read More

1652

Formation of Virginia county militias

Formation of Virginia county militias

The House of Burgesses passed a bill that legislated that each county would organize militia companies into a regiment. By 1700, there were at least nine counties known to have had militia: James City, Charles City, Henrico, Isle of Wight, Surry, Warwick, Elizabeth City, Accomack, and Northampton.

1661

Slavery legalized

Slavery legalized

In March of 1661, the Virginia General Assembly passed laws concerning the ownership of enslaved peoples as well as the theft of indentured servants. Article by Henricus Historical Park Staff Slavery had no legal basis in the colony of Virginia nor any real precedent in the English system when the…Read More

1676

Bacon’s Rebellion

Bacon’s Rebellion

Nathaniel Bacon leads a rebellion against Governor William Berkeley, highlighting tensions between colonists and the government. This rebellion was caused by a number of factors, including Governor Berkeley’s refusal to provide adequate defense against Native American attacks and his monopoly on the fur trade. The rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful. Read…Read More

1705

Virginia Slave Codes

Virginia Slave Codes

In 1705, acts by the Colony of Virginia’s House of Burgesses (“An act concerning servants and slaves”) enshrine slavery as a racial caste in Virginia. This code made it illegal for black people to be free and established a system of racial oppression that would last for centuries. Read the…Read More

1732

George Washington

Detail of Portrait of George Washington

George Washington is born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. While not exactly an event, the birth of George Washington is a significant moment in Virginia history. Washington would go on to become the leader of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and the first president of the United States. Read…Read More