Historic Virginia Documents

Accounts of the colonization of Virginia, from Spanish attempts at settlement through the early 18th century.

Instructions on how to run the Virginia Colony, which was “established by means of a joint-stock company” for the purpose of trade and profit.

The royal charter by which the Virginia Company of London obtained permission from James I to establish a colony.

A new royal charter granted to the Virginia Company of London after the establishment of Jamestown.

The third charter of the Virginia Company of London extended the Virginia Colony to include the island of Bermuda, which would remain part of the colony until 1613.

The Virginia Company of London addressed this document, also known as the Great Charter, to the colony's incoming governor, authorizing the election of a representative assembly and establishing the headright system.

Proceedings of the first legislative assembly in Virginia, convened by colonial governor Sir George Yeardley.

Condemnation of Nathaniel Bacon, issued after Bacon carried out attacks against Indigenous peoples without authorization.

Bacon's declaration of grievances, issued during his rebellion against Governor Sir William Berkeley.

Treaty between England and several Indigenous nations negotiated after the conclusion of Bacon's Rebellion.

Charter issued for the first college established in Virginia.

These statutes reflect the transition from indentured servitude to chattel slavery in Virginia.

Statutes establishing the Anglican Church as the official religion in Virginia.

Statutes addressing minister shortages and regulating Sabbath observance in Virginia.

Transported Africans in Virginia faced increased restrictions over time, culminating in a system of race-based chattel slavery.