The House of Burgesses, established in 1619 in Virginia, was significant as the first representative legislative assembly in the American colonies. It marked a key development in the evolution of self-governance in the New World, allowing colonists to have a voice in their own governance. The House's establishment laid the groundwork for the democratic principles that would later shape the United States. It provided a platform for colonial leaders to address local issues and manage affairs with some autonomy from the British crown, ultimately contributing to the growing desire for independence and self-rule among the colonists.