Skip to main content

The timeline can be navigated by dragging the pointer on the timeline bar, located at the bottom of the screen on the desktop version and on the left of the screen on mobile. To filter by a specific topic, make a selection on the dropdown “Filters” menu or click “Search” to do a keyword search. To learn more, click “Read More” below.

Read More

Virginia bans the congregation of enslaved African people.

1804

SLA
RES
LLP

On January 24, 1804, the Virginia General Assembly bans the congregation of enslaved African people, prohibiting “all meetings at any meeting house or any other place in the night.” Violation of the law results in corporal punishment of no more than twenty lashes. The interpretation and application of the law greatly varies by local county. The act attempts to limit the congregation of enslaved people to prevent further uprisings in the state.