In 1607 Jamestown, first permanent English settlement in America, is founded.

In 1619 House of Burgesses, American’s first representative legislature, convenes. Dutch traders bring Africans to sell as indentured servants.

In 1693 College of William and Mary, , named for the king and queen of England, is founded.

In 1781 Britain’s Lord Cornwallis , surrenders at Yorktown, , ending revolutionary War.

In 1788 Virginia, enters Union as 10th state.

In 1789 George Washington, becomes first US president.

In 1831 Nat Turner’s rebellion leads to stricter slavery laws.

In 1861 Virginia, secedes from Union. Richmond , becomes Confederate capital.

In 1863 Northwestern Virginia splits off forming Union, forming West Virginia, .

In 1865 General Lee , surrenders at Appomattox, , ending Civil War.

In 1902 a new state constitution disenfranchises blacks by instituting a poll tax and a literacy test.

In 1918 College of William and Mary , admits women.

In 1959 the first school integration in Virginia history, takes place.

In 1964 Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel , links Norfolk/Virginia Beach to Eastern Shore.

In 1969 a Republican governor is elected the first since 1869.

In 1971 a new, more liberal state constitution goes into effect.

In 1989 L. Douglas Wilder, becomes the first elected black governor in US history.