America's First Slaves

African Americans may trace their roots to the original Jamestown settlement. America's first slaves arrived in August 1619, as recorded in John Rolfe's journal as "20 odd Negroes". There is evidence that these first slaves were originally from Angola in Southwest Africa, and were brought over in a Dutch ship.

 The affects of whipping can last for a lifetime.

This photo depicts primitive shackles that were used during the 18th and 19th centuries.

A whip was a weapon that would enable masters to exact compliance from slaves, without significantly jeopardizing their value.