Jamestown was the first British colony to establish itself in North America. According to the charter granted by King James I to Virginia (or London) Company, a team of about 107 people set out for chesapeake bay on 1607. In order to avoid conflict with the Spaniards, they chose a place on the upper reaches of the James River about 60 kilometers from the bay.

This group, composed of urban residents and adventurers, is more interested in searching for gold than agriculture. They don't have the temperament and ability to start a new life in the wilderness. Among them, Captain John Smith stood out and became the dominant figure. Despite quarrels, hunger and Indian attacks, his ability to enforce discipline brought the small colony together in the first year.

Smith returned to England on 1609. During his absence, the colony fell into anarchy. In the winter of 1609- 16 10, most colonists died of diseases. By May 30th, only 60 of the original 300 settlers were still alive. In the same year, the town of Henrico (now Richmond) was established in the upper reaches of the James River.

However, before long, Virginia's economy has undergone revolutionary changes. In, John Rolf began to cross tobacco seeds imported from the West Indies with local plants to cultivate a new variety that caters to European tastes. The first batch of tobacco arrived in London in 14. Within ten years, it became the main source of income in Virginia.

However, prosperity did not come soon, and the mortality rate caused by diseases and Indian attacks was still very high. Between 1607 and 1624, about 14000 people moved to the colony, but only 1 132 people lived there in 1624. According to a royal mission, the king dissolved the Virginia Company and made it a royal colony that year.