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First colony Jamestown -
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The Massachusetts General Court formally adopts the first broad statement of American liberties, the Massachusetts Body of Liberties. -
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Rhode Island grants religious freedom. -
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Connecticut passes the first dissenter statute and allows full liberty of worship to Anglicans and Baptists. -
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New York publisher John Peter Zenger is tried for libel after publishing criticism of the Royal Governor of New York -
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The State of Virginia jails 50 Baptist worshipers for preaching the Gospel contrary to the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. -
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Thomas Jefferson completes his first draft of a Virginia state bill for religious freedom which states No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship place or ministry whatsoever. -
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On Dec 15 Virginia becomes the 11th state to approve the first 10 amendments to the Constitution thereby ratifying the Bill of Rights.