The House of Burgesses: July 30, 1619

Per Scriptum E. Wesley - Mackinac Center Intern

Freedom often springs from the head of a failed idea, and the advent of American government was no different. The House of Burgesses, America’s first representative assembly, grew out of the ashes of Jamestown. Central planning just wasn’t working for the Jamestown settlement. Private land was forbidden under the Virginia Company, and mandated gold expeditions took precious time away from establishing methods for survival in the New World. The whim of the governor was the only rule of direct civil law in the colony. Relief for Jamestown would come through the advent of tobacco as a cash crop, and a series of reforms beginning in 1619.

This same year, small stockholders in the Virginia Company were beginning to suspect they were being cheated of their dividends. Accordingly, they petitioned to institute elections in order to vote out the present Smyth administration. Under the new Sandys administration, the Virginia Company prompted Governor Yeardley of Jamestown to hold elections for a new legislative assembly in America, and organize English Common Law throughout Virginia. The House of Burgesses first met in Jamestown on July 30, 1619, and comprised 22 members. However, this session achieved little due to a malaria outbreak that cut it short.

From these humble beginnings, America would learn how to develop representative government in greater capacities. After the Jamestown Statehouse was destroyed by fire for the third time, the House of Burgesses moved to Williamsburg. While at Williamsburg, The House would be a cornerstone in the fight for American independence. Patrick Henry would give his “Caesar-Brutus” speech before the House, and Richard Henry Lee, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, and many others would debate separation from Britan here at the Virginia Capitol. When revolution broke out, this Virginia assembly morphed into the Virginia House of Delegates (the legislative branch of the State of Virginia).

All other representative government in America ought to be seen in light of the House of Burgesses. The House not only brought representation to America, but also housed the first discussions for independence in America. Some of America’s greatest minds served in the House before leading America successfully through war.

Sources:
Image from statemaster.com
The Oxford History of the American People
http://www.history.org/Almanack/places/hb/hbcap.cfm
http://www.statemaster.com/encyclopedia/House-of-Burgesses