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1493
The First Spanish Colony
On his second voyage through the carribean Columbus founded the first Spanish colony 1493 on the island of the Espanola. Isabela, the first perminant settlement of Spain was soon overrun as they discoverd riches in recoverable amounts such as gold nearby. The natives died in wars against the Spanish, or in servitude in the mines after enslavement. -
The Lost Coloy at Roanoke
The first attempt to colonize the new world by Englend. Raleigh organized an expedition that landed on Roanoke island in 1585 off the cost of Virginia. After many attempts to colonize the island, the colony vanished without a trace. -
A Charter From King James
In 1606 King James I issued a charter with The Virginia Company of London for a settlement in the new world. King James was attracted by the idea of finding gold in The New World. In addition to the idea of finding a passage to the Indies. The Charter guarenteed the overseas settlers the same rights of the Englishmen. But they ran risks as well. Because of the fact that the Virginia company was intended to endure for only a few years, settlers ran the risk of being abandoned. -
Jamestown
The first British colony was founded on May 24, 1607. They first landed at Chesepeak Bay but due to the overwhelming populations of the natives, they were driven up the bay. They eventually chose their location in a marsh near the James River. It was easy to defend against attacking natives, but infested with mosquitos and unsanitary soundings. -
Britain Takes Control of Jamestown
By 1924 King James I had grown increasingly hostile with the colony which was owned by the Virginia Company. The Virginia Company had allowed the settlers to call for an assembly called The House of Burgusses. King James hated tobaco and did not trust the assembly. This along side with growing conflict between the native people and the colonist caused King James to revoke the charter of The Virginia company and make Jamestown a royal colony directly under his control.
