1619

At Jamestown, Virginia, approximately 20 captive Africans are sold into slavery in the British North American colonies.

 1612

The first commercial tobacco crop is raised in Jamestown, Virginia.

 1626

The Dutch West India Company imports 11 black male slaves into the New Netherlands.

1636

Colonial North America's slave trade begins when the first American slave carrier, Desire, is built and launched in Massachusetts.

 1640

John Punch, a runaway black servant, is sentenced to servitude for life. His two white companions are given extended terms of servitude. Punch is the first documented slave for life.

1640

New Netherlands law forbids residents from harboring or feeding runaway slaves.

1641

The D'Angola marriage is the first recorded marriage between blacks in New Amsterdam.