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Today in History: John Casor declared first lifelong slave in Virginia

3/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 8, 1654, the Northampton County court in Virginia ruled that John Casor, a person of African descent, would be enslaved for life following a civil suit. This landmark decision marked the first legal declaration of lifelong slavery in the Thirteen Colonies, setting a precedent for the institution of slavery in America.

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Story summary

On March 8, 1654, the Northampton County court in Virginia ruled that John Casor, a person of African descent, would be enslaved for life following a civil suit. This landmark decision marked the first legal declaration of lifelong slavery in the Thirteen Colonies, setting a precedent for the institution of slavery in America.