Founding of Jamestown
The Virginia Company of London established Jamestown as the first permanent English settlement in North America.
1607
1619
First General Assembly
The first representative legislative assembly in America convened in Jamestown, marking the beginning of self-government in colonial Virginia.
1624
Virginia Becomes a Royal Colony
King James I revoked the Virginia Company's charter, making Virginia a royal colony under direct control of the English crown.
1676
Bacon's Rebellion
Nathaniel Bacon led a rebellion against Governor William Berkeley's administration, highlighting tensions between frontier settlers and the colonial government.
1775
Virginia in the American Revolution
Virginia played a critical role in the American Revolution, providing leadership, troops, and resources to the Continental Army.
1781
Siege of Yorktown
The Siege of Yorktown, where British General Cornwallis surrendered to American and French forces, effectively ended the American Revolutionary War.
1788
Virginia Ratifies the U.S. Constitution
Virginia became the 10th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, joining the newly formed United States of America.
1801
Thomas Jefferson Becomes President
Thomas Jefferson, a Virginian, was inaugurated as the third President of the United States, emphasizing Virginia's influence in early American politics.
1861
Virginia Secedes from the Union
Virginia seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy, becoming a major battleground during the American Civil War.
1865
End of the Civil War
The Civil War ended with General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, marking a pivotal moment in American history.
1926
Founding of Colonial Williamsburg
The restoration of Colonial Williamsburg began, preserving and interpreting Virginia's colonial history for future generations.
1954
Brown v. Board of Education
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education led to the desegregation of public schools, significantly impacting Virginia's educational system.
1967
Loving v. Virginia
The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Loving v. Virginia invalidated state laws prohibiting interracial marriage, a landmark civil rights decision.
1989
L. Douglas Wilder Elected Governor
L. Douglas Wilder became the first African American to be elected governor of Virginia, and the first in the United States since Reconstruction.
2007
400th Anniversary of Jamestown
Virginia celebrated the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, highlighting its historical significance and heritage.
