History
2
Indians cultivated fertile lands along the James River for centuries before the colonists arrived in 1607, growing squash, corn, and beans to supplement a diet of native plants, fish, shellfish, and game. When soils at a house site became depleted, they allowed the area to replenish itself while establishing a new dwelling and agricultural plot elsewhere. English colonists primarily grew tobacco for profit. Introduced at Jamestown in 1612, tobacco quickly exhausted prime croplands, required vast unspoiled acreage, and spurred tremendous changes on the landscape. European colonists learned here to grow tobacco from the Indians.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Virginia · United States
