Goals of Jamestown Settlers

What goals were set by the Virginia Company of London for its Jamestown settlers?

1. To discover gold and silver

2. To establish a self-sustaining colony

3. To develop a profitable economy

Goals of Jamestown Settlers:

In establishing Jamestown, the Virginia Company had set goals for the settlers to discover gold and silver for wealth, establish a self-sustaining colony, and develop a profitable economy.

The Virginia Company of London, a joint stock company, was granted a charter in 1606 to establish a colony in North America. The primary goals set for its Jamestown settlers were multifaceted. Upon settling in Jamestown, the settlers were expected to bring immense wealth to the investors of the company and the English Crown, primarily through the discovery of gold and silver. However, they were unsuccessful in this venture.

Settlers were also expected to establish a self-sustaining colony which entailed effective communication and cooperation with the local Native American tribes. Unfortunately, this led to constant strife and tension, which almost led to the dissolution of the colony during what became known as the 'starving time' in 1609-1610.

Despite the initial struggles and adversities, another key goal was realized in the end: establishing a profitable economy. Instead of gold and silver, the settlers found wealth in tobacco cultivation, making Virginia a profitable English tobacco economy.