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The '''House of Burgesses''' was the first legislative body in the [[American]] colonies, located in [[Jamestown]], the capital of the [[Virginia Colony]]. The House met for the first time on July 30, 1619 at a church. It grew to be a powerful political force, and many of the [[American Revolution]]ary leaders got their starts there, including [[George Washington]], [[Thomas Jefferson]], and [[Patrick Henry]].
The '''House of Burgesses''' was the first legislature at Jamestown. It was originally an extension of the Virginia Company, but later became a force for colonial self-government.
== Structure ==
The House of Burgesses was comprised of 22 members. The head was the governor of Virginia, who was appointed by the [[Virginia Company]] in [[London]]. The governor appointed his council of 6 members. The remaining 15 were elected by colonial property holders, and the members came from the large plantation owners. This group was known as the Lower House.
[[category:United States History]]