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The Roanoke Island colony, the first English settlement in the New World, was founded by English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh in August 1585. -
The settlers, who arrived in 1587, disappeared in 1590, leaving behind only two clues: the words "Croatoan" carved into a fort's gatepost and "Cro" etched into a tree. Theories about the disappearance have ranged from an annihilating disease to a violent rampage by local Native American tribes -
In 1607, 104 English men and boys arrived in North America to start a settlement. On May 13 they picked Jamestown, Virginia for their settlement, which was named after their King, James I. The settlement became the first permanent English settlement in North America. -
On one such expedition in December he was captured by a large Powhatan hunting party and led on a long trek to various Powhatan villages, ultimately being brought before the paramount chief of the Powhatan people, Wahunsenacawh, better known as Chief Powhatan.
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Before it was abolished, however, the royal council appointed Gates governor in May 1609 and issued him confidential instructions on Virginia's priorities.
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In 1612, John Rolfe determined two important points: 1) tobacco grew well in Virginia's soil, and 2) the crop had a market in England. Within ten years, tobacco became "the 'staple' of the Chesapeake colonies in a broader sense than any other staple the world has ever known. -
Iopassus and his wife seemed surprised; Argall declared Pocahontas was being held as ransom for the return of stolen weapons and English prisoners held by her father. Iopassus and his wife left, with a small copper kettle and some other trinkets as a reward for their part in making Pocahontas an English prisoner -
Pocahontas was captured and held for ransom by English colonists during hostilities in 1613. During her captivity, she was encouraged to convert to Christianity and was baptized under the name Rebecca.
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Pocahontas travels to England with John Rolfe and their son Thomas. She will draw great public interest and even meet the royal family. In 1617, she and her family will set sail to return to America but she will die en route.
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Virginia's new governor, George Yeardley, arrives in Jamestown. He will initiate several reforms including the creation of the first representative assembly in North America. 22 delegates or "burgesses" representing each of the towns or plantations constitute this "House of Burgesses." -
About 20 Africans servants are delivered to the colony. These may be the first Africans in Virginia. A 1620 census records 32 Africans in the colony. -
Pamunkey Indians, disturbed by the rapid growth of the Jamestown colony, attack the English settlement, killing 347 people. Harsh retaliatory raids lead to the deaths of a far greater number of Native Americans.
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The Virginia Company's charter is revoked and governance of Jamestown is transferred to the Crown. Virginia becomes Britain's first royal colony in America.
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Sir William Berkeley begins his first term as governor of Virginia. He will be turned out of office in 1652, but will be elected governor for a second term in 1660 and then serve until his death in 1677.
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Pamunkey Chief Opechancanough leads an attack against the Jamestown settlement in a desperate attempt to limit the colony's growth. 500 English settlers are killed. Governor William Berkeley will personally lead the Virginia forces that turn back the assault and crush the Native Americans.
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Virginia's population has grown to include 15,000 whites and 300 Africans.
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England declares war against the Netherlands, commencing the first in a series of "Anglo-Dutch Wars" fought until 1684. The wars are triggered by commercial rivalry between the two nations, including Dutch attempts to access Virginia's tobacco trade.
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In London, Parliament passes a navigation act requiring that certain goods produced in America, including tobacco, be exported only to England or ones of its colonies. This narrowing of Virginia's commercial choices will further reduce the value of tobacco.
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Charles II of England declares war against the Netherlands, beginning the second Anglo-Dutch War
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Dutch warships enter the James River in Virginia and burn six English ships.
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Virginia's population has grown to include 48,000 free whites, 6,000 indentured servants, and 2,000 African slaves.
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English ships attack a Dutch convoy, initiating the Third Anglo-Dutch War.
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A party of Doig Indians steals some hogs from English settler Thomas Mathew, claiming he cheated them in an earlier transaction. Mathew kills one of the Native Americans in response, triggering a chain of retaliatory raids by Native Americans and settlers.