33
/
AIzaSyB4mHJ5NPEv-XzF7P6NDYXjlkCWaeKw5bc
November 1, 2025
10569176
1012471
1
Public Timelines
FAQ Get premium

jan 1, 1640 - This is the moment when Virginia began transforming into a slavery society.

Description:

The 1640 sentencing of John Punch was the first
clear legal distinction between Black and white
laborers. Though all three men ran away, only
Punch—because he was Black—was sentenced to
lifetime servitude. This marked the beginning of
race-based slavery in Virginia and set a legal
precedent that tied African descent to permanent
slavery, a defining feature of a slavery society.

Added to timeline:

10 hours ago
0
0
18

Date:

jan 1, 1640
Now
~ 386 years ago