Tobacco planters originally used slaves from Africa. Slaves were first captured by the system of slavery already set in place in Africa, and then brought to European ports on the coasts. From there, they were shipped to the New World, many dying along the journey as a result of the unsanitary ships and inhumane conditions. Once in the New World, they were bought and sold by plantation owners. However, many had only a lifespan of three years once reaching the Americas.