Most blacks lived in the Chesapeake region, where they made up more than 50 to 60 percent of the overall population. The majority, but not all, of these African
Americans were slaves. In fact, the first official United States Census taken in 1790 showed that eight percent of the black populace was free.
[Edgar A. Toppin. "Blacks in the American Revolution" (published essay, Virginia State University, 1976), p. 1].
The first 20 Africans arrived in Virginia in the early 1600s and small numbers followed in subsequent years. Compared with indentured servants, slaves offered planters more
advantages. As Africans, they could not claim the protections of English common law. Their terms of service never expired unlike the indentured
Americans were slaves. In fact, the first official United States Census taken in 1790 showed that eight percent of the black populace was free.
[Edgar A. Toppin. "Blacks in the American Revolution" (published essay, Virginia State University, 1976), p. 1].
The first 20 Africans arrived in Virginia in the early 1600s and small numbers followed in subsequent years. Compared with indentured servants, slaves offered planters more
advantages. As Africans, they could not claim the protections of English common law. Their terms of service never expired unlike the indentured