Enslaved Africans first brought to Virginia and sold at Jamestown.
The Virginia legislature enacts a slave code, establishing systematic rules for relationships between slaves and citizens.
George Washington, age 11, is bequeathed enslaved people upon the death of his father, Augustine Washington.
Washington, age 18, gains legal control of 11 enslaved people from his father's estate.
Fortune, George, Long Joe, Winna, Bellindar, Jenny, Adam, Nat, London, Milly, and Frank
Washington inherits 6 enslaved people from his half-brother, Lawrence Washington.
Peter, Jenny, Tom (Jenny's son), Phebe, Tom, and Lucy
George Washington leases Mount Vernon from the estate of his half-brother, Lawrence, as well as another 18 enslaved individuals.
Major Washington participates in the disastrous Braddock expedition to the Ohio Valley.
Allegheny Expedition
Virginia planter Daniel Parke Custis dies, leaving no will.
His widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, receives a life-interest in one-third of his estate, which includes almost 300 enslaved people spread across plantations in six counties.
George Washington expands the Mount Vernon Mansion for the first time.
George Washington and Martha Dandridge Custis marry and settle at Mount Vernon. Martha probably brings at least 12 enslaved artisans and domestic workers with her, including Doll, a cook, and Sally, her maid.
George Washington gains legal control (but not ownership) of the whole of the Custis estate, including the people, property, income, and goods inherited by Martha's young children. Washington also purchases at least 12 additional enslaved people that year.
Peros, Jack, Neptune, and Cupid (all native Africans) run away from Dogue Run Farm.
Peros, Jack, and Cupid are back in 1762, but Neptune appears to have evaded recapture until 1765.
George Washington inherits 5 enslaved people from Lawrence Washington's widow, Ann Fairfax Washington Lee.
Kate, George, Maria, and Kate's two children (unnamed) return to Mount Vernon after an absence of 8 years.
George Washington begins reducing tobacco production, replacing it with wheat.
By 1765, Washington decides to cease tobacco production and make wheat his primary cash crop. He also expands hemp and flax growing to support large-scale textile production.
British Parliament passes the Stamp Act. The Virginia legislature responds with Resolves protesting "taxation without representation."
George Washington calls the Stamp Act "a direful attack upon [the colonists'] Liberties."
George Washington appoints the first of several enslaved overseers.
Tom, a foreman at River Farm, attempts to run away and is captured. Washington sells him in the West Indies.
Washington purchases William (Billy) Lee, who becomes Washington's valet, and his brother Frank Lee, who becomes Mount Vernon's butler.
William Lee
Washington begins adding wings onto the two ends of the Mansion.
The 2nd Continental Congress names George Washington commander in chief of the Continental Army.
In October, the Council of War, headed by Washington, prohibits "Negroes" from enlisting in the army. This prohibition is reversed in December, permitting free blacks to enlist if approved by Congress.