 
Massachusetts is the first colony to legalize slavery.
1643
The New England Confederation of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Haven adopts a fugitive slave law.
1650
Connecticut legalizes slavery.
1652
Rhode Island passes laws restricting slavery and forbidding enslavement for more than 10 years.
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1652
Massachusetts requires all black and Indian servants to receive military training.
1654
A Virginia court grants blacks the right to hold slaves.
1657
Virginia passes a fugitive slave law.
1660
Charles II, King of England, orders the Council of Foreign Plantations to devise strategies for converting slaves and servants to Christianity.
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