What Was the First Settlement in Virginia?

On May 14, 1607, 104 English settlers arrived in Virginia. They founded the first European settlement in Virginia, Jamestown. The settlement was named after King James I, who was the reigning monarch of England at the time.

English Beginnings

The history of Jamestown begins in England. Kind James I of England granted the London-based Virginia Company a charter to begin an English settlement in the New World.

Time Frame

King James I granted the charter in June of 1606. The settlers set sail from England in December of 1606. They arrived in Virginia on May 14, 1607, five months after leaving England.

Geography

Jamestown is located on an island of the James River in Virginia. This location provided the settlers with protection from Spanish ships, as it placed them away from the main channel.

Government

Jamestown, Virginia, was originally governed by a council of seven men. One man presided over the council as president.

Settlers

According to the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, the original Jamestown settlers included of six councilors, one preacher, 29 gentlemen, six carpenters, one blacksmith, one sailor, one barber, two bricklayers, one mason, one tailor, one drummer, 13 laborers and four boys.

Resources

• History of Jamestown
• A Brief History of Jamestown