The Virginia House of Burgesses was the first elected legislative assembly in the American colonies, established in 1619. It was created to allow colonists in Virginia to have a voice in their governance, making decisions on local laws and taxes. The assembly consisted of representatives, known as burgesses, from various settlements in the colony. The House of Burgesses played a crucial role in the development of representative government in America. It met regularly to discuss issues affecting the colony and laid the groundwork for future legislative bodies. Its influence continued until the American Revolution, when it became a symbol of colonial self-governance.