Changes

Virginia first started to recognize slavery in its legal code around 1662 and later, with a culmination of laws in the slave code of 1705.  In the early years of the practice, Africans were treated much the same way that white indentured servants were, earning their freedom after a specified period of time and being granted land upon being freed from their assigned indenture.

Virginia first started to recognize slavery in its legal code around 1662 and later, with a culmination of laws in the slave code of 1705.  In the early years of the practice, Africans were treated much the same way that white indentured servants were, earning their freedom after a specified period of time and being granted land upon being freed from their assigned indenture.

An early example of this is Anthony Johnson, who is regarded by some as the first slave owner.  Anthony was an African who completed his indenture and once he became a property owner, sought to have indentured servants of his own.  What makes Johnson's case different is that in the John Casor suit, Johnson sought to have Casor held not as an indenture for a short specified number of years, but as a slave for life.  In the case, the Northamton court ultimately ruled in favor of Johnson, making Casor his life long property.

An early example of this is Anthony Johnson, who is regarded by some as the first slave owner.  Anthony was an African who completed his indenture and once he became a property owner, sought to have indentured servants of his own.  What makes Johnson's case different is that in the John Casor suit, Johnson sought to have Casor held not as an indenture for a short specified number of years, but as a slave for life.  In the case, the Northamton court ultimately ruled in favor of Johnson, making Casor his lifelong property.

== Becoming an institution ==

== Becoming an institution ==

As the 17th century came to a close, an increasing number of slaves were brought from Africa by English and Dutch slave ships to the Virginia, Maryland, and other southern colonies.  The labor intensive farming of cotton and tobacco led to greater need for people who could work the crop, and the monarchs back in Europe profited off of the trade for the support of their empires and wars.

As the 17th century came to a close, an increasing number of slaves were brought from Africa by English and Dutch slave ships to the Virginia, Maryland, and other southern colonies.  The labor-intensive farming of cotton and tobacco led to greater need for people who could work the crop, and the monarchs back in Europe profited off of the trade for the support of their empires and wars.

== Freedom for some slaves ==

== Freedom for some slaves ==