1661
Virginia, VA · On map
The 1661 Virginia Slave Codes were the first explicit laws defining slavery as a lifelong, hereditary condition based on race[4][9][13][15][20]. These codes established the legal framework for racial slavery in the colony, cementing racism in Virginia law[9][15]. The legislation declared that children followed the status of their mothers, rendering slavery self-perpetuating and preventing freedom through baptism[11].
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