From my Forth Grade Virginia History lessons, circa 1961:
1619 was known as,”The Red Letter Year” in Virginia, recognized for three events (not just a single). First, the establishment of The House of Burgesses, North America’s first elective legislative government. Second, the arrival of women in significant numbers; an effort to promote families and permanence for the colony. Finally, the twenty Black Africans, who were received as indentured servants, a common practice in Colonial Virginia.
Not trying to ignore slavery or it’s injustice here, simply an attempt at adding some perspective.
Sorry, in first line: Should be Fourth not Forth. My bad!