President marks anniversary of first representative legislative assembly at Jamestown

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President marks anniversary of first representative legislative assembly at Jamestown

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On July 30, 2025, the President issued a message commemorating the 406th anniversary of the first representative legislative assembly in America. The event took place in Jamestown, Virginia, where English settlers gathered to form what would become the oldest continuous lawmaking body in the Western Hemisphere.

The President highlighted that these early Virginians sought prosperity and opportunity by coming together not as subjects of a foreign crown but as an independent people. They enacted laws focused on glorifying God, promoting the common good, and responding to the will of the people. These laws addressed issues such as taxation, agriculture, and trade with Native tribes.

According to the message: “Seeking prosperity and opportunity in a new land, these early Virginians came together not as subjects of a foreign crown, but as an independent people determined to govern their own affairs.  Against nearly insurmountable odds, they enacted laws to glorify God, promote the common good, and answer to the will of the people, addressing matters of taxation, agriculture, and trade with Native tribes.  What began humbly in Jamestown has flourished through the ages into a rich legacy of self-government that continues to define the American spirit.  As John Adams wrote before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, ‘We all look up to Virginia for examples.’”

The President noted that ideals such as self-determination and representation remain central from local town halls up through Congress and the presidency: “From town halls to statehouses to Congress and the presidency, the ideals that animated that first assembly—self-determination, representation, popular accountability, and devotion to the common good—still coarse through our customs and inspire our way of life.”

As America approaches its 250th year since independence was declared in 1776—a milestone set for 2026—the message reflected on how principles born in Virginia continue guiding national life: “As we stand on the cusp of our 250th year as an independent Nation, we pause now to honor the enduring principles of liberty and independence that were born in Virginia, the cradle of American democracy.  These principles have guided our country for more than two centuries, and will continue to light our way for generations to come.”

Reaffirming commitment to self-government today remains important: “Today, we reaffirm that self-government and hard-fought freedom are our prized inheritance.  America is not ruled by tyrants or distant powers; it is governed by a free strong and independent citizenry.  As legacy of Jamestown lives on through Virginia House Delegates and in heart every American citizen we pay tribute heroic tenacity bravery vision first settlers. Through their sacrifice 406 years later our Nation now stands taller prouder mightier greater than ever before—united free governed only by will our people one glorious Nation under God.”

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