The Virginia Colony
The First New World Settlement
History
Our colony was founded in 1607 by John Smith and several other colonists including John Rolfe who were backed by the London Company (Britain). The name "Virginia" was inspired by Queen Elizabeth I of England, the "Virgin Queen".
Geography
Religion and Government
Trade
Major Events
A Chronology of Events
1608: John Smith is released; a fire destroys all the homes in the colony
1611: John Rolfe introduces tobacco seeds
1619: first meeting of Virginia General Assembly
1622: Indian massacre kills 347 colonists
1624: Virginia made a royal colony
1676: Bacon's Rebellion
1699: Williamsburg is established as the capitol
Key People
Chief Powhatan: Indian Chief who helps us survive in the New World
Pocahontas: Indian woman who married John Rolfe and rescued John Smith
John Rolfe: introduced tobacco to the economy
Christopher Newport: helped deliver supplies to the colony to keep it from failing