A Brief History of American Executions. Matt Ford. Why It Pays to Be a Jerk. Jerry Useem. ... in 1608.) But the simplicity of the noose triumphed, and its use spread as the republic grew.

On this day in history - September 10th, 1608 - John Smith becomes Council President of Jamestown.The Godspeed, the Discovery and the Susan Constant set out for the New World in December 1606.