burgess

In 2009, a different set of Litchfield burgesses banned ribbons from the town green trees, citing the potential for a proliferation of free speech displays as well as possible tree damage.

Twenty-two burgesses gathered in the church at Jamestown Island, and two were kicked out immediately because they were from a plantation that had not acknowledged colonial authority.

On Tuesday, lawmakers, members of Congress and other guests will gather at historic Jamestown for ceremonies to commemorate the meeting of the burgesses.

The state has been planning the Jamestown events for several years to mark the first time 20 burgesses chosen by colonists gathered on July 30, 1619.

In 1748, the Virginia burgesses passed a law mandating the death penalty for any enslaved person who poisoned his or her master.