Virginia
Joannah Park & Jenna Taylor 3rd period
European Settlements
- The English were the first to settle in Virginia, making it the first colony in the British Empire
- The English settled in Virginia in search of economic opportunity; especially to profit from mineral wealth
- The English also settled in Virginia to prevent the spread of Spanish colonies, and to spread Protestant Christianity
Location, Location, Location
The English chose the site the did for Jamestown because:
- It had a deep water port, so the colonists could moor their ships to the trees
- It was surrounded on three sides by water and on a fourth by a swamp
- It was located at a bend in the river, which provided a wide field of view- provided for an optimal defensive position
More About Virginia!
Type of Colony:
- Jamestown was founded by the private stock holding company (or joint-stock company)- The Virginia Co.
Religion:
- The settlers at Jamestown were members of the Anglican faith, the official Church of England
- The Pilgrims were dissenters from the Church of England and established the Puritan Church
Colonial Government:
- The first representative government began in 1619 with the convening of a general assembly, at the request of settlers who wanted input in the laws governing them
Specific Trade:
- Wood for ship construction, furniture, houses, clapboard, wainscot, pikes, etc. Other wood products included potash, pitch, and tar
- Soon after, however, tobacco became the most important export.
Major Events
- 1607- Established as the first permanent English settlement
- 1612- John Rolfe brought the tobacco business to help the colony
- 1619- Home of America's first representative legislature
- 1619- First Negroes to Jamestown
- 1624- Became a royal colony
- 1693- Established The College of William and Mary
Key People
- John Rolfe
- Pocahontas
- Nathaniel Bacon
- John Smith