Virginia
The First Colony
A Short History
Virginia was the first colony in America, and also of the British. It was created due to the efforts of the Viginia Company as a business venture. John Smith founded the first permanent settlement in America, Jamestown, here.
Settlement
Virginia Company established Jamestown.
Bacon's Rebellion
Landless peasants revolted, wanting harsher action against Native Americans, so they can get land.
Arrival of Pilgrims
Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower in 1620, establishing a royal colony.
Geography
Virginia is one of the southern colonies. While settlers initially expected to find gold (with fruitless results), they found tobacco instead. The tobacco crop gre, expanding profits and in turn, the economy. This caused virginia to turn to a slave-based labor system.
General Characteristics
Type of Colony: Royal Colony (charter revoked in 1624)
Religion: Anglican
Type of Colonial Government: Legislative (House of Burgesses)
John Smith
Settled in Virginia.
Nathaniel Bacon
Famous for his namesake rebellion.
Pocahontas
Famous daughter of Powhatan.