jan 1, 1705 - Virginia Slave Codes

Description:

The Virginia Slave Codes were formally called "an act concerning Servants and Slaves." They declared all non-Christian servants entering the colony to be slaves and further defined all slaves as property, stripping them of their freedom. Thus, slaves could be bought, sold, and basically treated as chattel. The act also imposed harsh physical punishments for offenses of the slaves, such as whipping, branding, or cutting the ears off.

Added to timeline:

Date: