Colonial Virginia Terms

Front

A person who agreed to work for a set number of years in exchange for passage to the New World, food, shelter, and clothing.

Back

Indentured Servant

Front

The first representative assembly in the British American colonies, established in Jamestown in 1619. (A mini-government within Jamestown)

Back

House of Burgesses

Front

A royal document giving certain privileges or powers to a person or group.

Back

Charter

Front

A company who was granted a charter by King James I to establish colonies in North America. They funded and oversaw the settlement of Jamestown.

Back

Virginia Company

Front

The first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607 in present-day Virginia.

Back

Jamestown

Front

The severe winter of 1609-1610 in Jamestown, during which many colonists died from starvation, disease, and conflict with Native Americans.

Back

“Starving Time”

Front

Warly leader of the Jamestown Colony. He is known for his strong leadership style and his "work or starve" policy

Back

John Smith

Front

• The powerful leader of an alliance of around 35 Native American tribes controlling the area where Jamestown was founded. He was the father of Pocahontas.

Back

• Powhatan

Front

• The ships land at Cape Henry (in modern-day Virginia).

Back

• April 26, 1607

Front

• King James I revokes the Virginia Company's charter, and Virginia becomes a royal colony.

Back

• 1624