The Virginia Company

What was the Virginia Company?

After failed attempts to colonise America in the 1580s, the Virginia Company was set up in 1606. King James I granted permission for a group of businessman to set up a colony in Virginia, called Jamestown.

Why was the Virginia Company set up?

The Virginia Company was set up to start colonies in America.

• ❖ They wanted to see if the land was suitable to grow vegetation and to hopefully find lots of gold.
• ❖ There was a rapid increase in the demand for tobacco. England wanted to take advantage of this, as it only grew in America.