A History of the Virginia House of Delegates
Commemorating the First and Oldest Continuous English-Speaking Representative Legislative Assembly in the Western Hemisphere
Virginia has long been recognized as the birthplace of America. Leaders of our Commonwealth were the founders of the United States’ ongoing experiment in representative self-government. The story of American democracy began in Virginia in 1619 and continues today with citizen-lawmakers serving the Commonwealth.
In recognition of the 400th anniversary of America's first and oldest law-making body, the House Clerk’s Office is chronicling the nearly 10,000 men and women who have served either as Burgesses or Delegates elected to the Virginia General Assembly over the past four centuries.
Learn more about leaders elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses and
the Virginia House of Delegates...
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From Burgesses to what are now termed Delegates, learn more about each member who helped shape Virginia history and American democracy.
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Historical information on the body's chief presiding officer (Speaker) and the institution's chief administrator (Clerk)
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Chronology of sessions and committees 1619 – present
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Learn more about the meeting places of the Virginia General Assembly.