I. 1. The Beginnings of Slavery:
Timeline of the Development of Slavery

1619

- A Dutch ship landed at Jamestown, Virginia with twenty Africans, marking the beginning of slavery in the U.S.

1641

- Slavery recognized as a legal institution in the U.S.

1662

- Statute making slavery hereditary, following the status of the mother.

1663

- The first major slave rebellion in Gloucester, Virginia.

1672

- The Royal African Company dominates the slave trade.

1705

- Law is made permitting owners to list slaves as property.

1712

- Slave revolt in New York City.

1740

- Stono, SC, slave revolt.

1741

- Serious slave revolt in New York City, resulting in the hanging of eighteen black men.

1770

- Crispus Attucks is the first of five men to be killed in the Boston Massacre.

1774

- Continental Congress agreed to non-importation of blacks.

1775

- Black soldiers fight in the Battle of Bunker Hill.

1777

- Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery.

1793

- Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, strengthening slavery.

1808

- A Federal law is passed barring the African slave trade.

1814

- Blacks fought in the War of 1812.

1822

- Denmark Vesesy's slave revolt in Charleston, SC, which was destroyed by betrayal and resulted in 37 slave deaths.

1831

- Nat TurnerA led the greatest slave rebellion, in Virginia, more than 160 people killed.

1857

- Dred ScottB decision by the Supreme Court opening federal territory to slavery and denying citizenship to blacks.

1859

- The last slave ship landed its cargo of slaves at Mobile, Alabama.

1860

- Civil War related problems arise.

1862

- President Lincoln recommended to Congress gradual, compensated emancipation.
First black troops enlisted at Leavenworth, Kansas.

1863

- President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

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