Southern Colonies Virginia Founded by John Smith in 1607 Presented by: Lucas Haller and Tori Meyer

Geographical Characteristics and Climate The Southern Colonies has rivers, bays, and wetlands. The climate and soil of the tidewater were excellent for farming. The southern Colonies had rich soil, had a long growing season, and had a warm and damp climate.

REASON FOR SETTLEMENT The first colonists came to Virginia to search for gold. When they realized that there was no gold there many started plantations on the rich soil of the tidewater.

RELIGIOUS BELIEFS The Virginia colonists were Anglicans. Going to church was an important affair. People think it should be a all day event. Puritans, Quakers, and others who were not Anglican had to leave the colony.

GOVERNMENT As Virginia grew, colonists wanted to have a voice in the laws of the colony. In 1619, colonists created the first elected legislature in the colonies. Colonists elected the Burgesses but only planters and other white men who owned were allowed to vote or be elected. In 1632, the House of Burgesses made the Anglican Church the official church of Virginia.

EDUCATION Most children were educated at home. Children learned how to read and write only if their parents could teach them. Their parents hired teachers to instruct the children in reading, writing, dancing, and music.

AGRICULTURE\ MANUFACTURING They sold crops to earn money like tobacco, rice, wheat, and corn. They also grew indigo which was very hard to grow and had little success. Cash crops grew very well.

SETTLEMENTS\HOMES In the backcountry their houses were simple wooden cabins to most farming families who lived west of the tidewater. Most of theirs belongings were made by hand or traded from others. The planters family usually lived in a grand mansion and they were often decorated with fine furniture. A plantation is a large farm on which crops are raised by workers who live on the farm.

TOWNS\CITIES One of Virginia’s towns and cities is Jamestown. Another one of Virginia's towns and cities is Williamsburg. The last town and city in Virginia is Richmond.

OTHER INTERESTING FACTS In 1607, Virginia became the first permanent English colony in North America. The children of wealthy planters lived fairly easy lives. Most plantation workers were indentured servants or enslaved Africans. Many plantation owners, or planters became wealthy by growing and selling cash crops such as tobacco and rice.

IMPORTANT PEOPLE TO KNOW John Smith and others were important people to know because they founded Virginia. Also, colonists were important people to know because they elected the Burgesses to make laws.