The first Africans were in VA as early as 1619 as has been pointed out by a previous note under this topic - A 1625 census showed a total of 23 slaves in VA ... When Royal Governor Berkeley arrived later, there were more African Slaves in New England than in Virginia - in 1640, there were 195 in New Enlgand and 232 in New York compared to 10 in MD and 150 in VA) ... A little known fact I like to point out to liberals who get a kick out of bashing the south over slavery. Sadly, it was Berkeley who exploited this economic neccessity because our ancerstors were to "elite" to cultivate their own gardens. As Forest Gump says, "that is all I have to say about that" Cuzzen Jer in Tinacee ...