The First Meeting of the House of Burgesses: July 30, 1619

On July 30, 1619, the House of Burgesses convened for the first time in Jamestown, Virginia, marking a pivotal moment in the history of governance in the American colonies. This assembly was the first representative legislative body in what would become the United States, laying the groundwork for self-government and democratic principles in the New World.

Context and Background

The establishment of the House of Burgesses was a response to the need for more localized governance in the Virginia Colony. The Virginia Company of London, which had established the colony in 1607, recognized the necessity of creating a more structured and representative form of government to manage the colony’s affairs and attract more settlers.

Key Developments Leading to the Assembly

• Charter of 1618: The Virginia Company issued the “Great Charter” in 1618, which allowed for the creation of a General Assembly. This charter aimed to provide settlers with a voice in their governance and to encourage investment and settlement by offering more autonomy.

• Governor George Yeardley: Appointed in 1618, Governor Yeardley played a crucial role in implementing the new governance structure. He called for the election of representatives to form the House of Burgesses.

The First Assembly

The inaugural meeting of the House of Burgesses took place in the choir of the Jamestown Church. The assembly comprised 22 representatives, known as burgesses, elected by the colony’s inhabitants. These representatives were chosen from various settlements, reflecting the colony’s growing population and geographic spread.

Key Figures

• Governor George Yeardley: Presided over the assembly, guiding its proceedings.
• John Pory: Served as the Speaker of the House, facilitating discussions and legislative processes.

Legislative Actions

During its initial session, the House of Burgesses addressed several critical issues:

• Local Laws: The assembly enacted measures to regulate economic activities, such as tobacco cultivation, which was the colony’s primary cash crop.
• Moral and Social Codes: Laws were established to maintain order and address social conduct within the colony.
• Relations with Indigenous Peoples: The assembly discussed policies regarding interactions with Native American tribes, a crucial aspect of colonial survival and expansion.

Significance and Aftermath

The convening of the House of Burgesses was a landmark event in colonial America, setting a precedent for representative government. It demonstrated the settlers’ desire for self-governance and laid the foundation for democratic institutions in the future United States.

Broader Historical Impact

• Influence on Other Colonies: The success of the House of Burgesses inspired similar legislative bodies in other colonies, contributing to the development of a political culture that valued representation and self-rule.
• Path to Independence: The principles established by the House of Burgesses would later influence the political philosophies underpinning the American Revolution and the formation of the United States government.

In summary, the first meeting of the House of Burgesses on July 30, 1619, was a seminal event in American history, marking the beginning of representative government in the colonies and setting a course toward the democratic ideals that would shape the nation.