Elizabeth City (or Elizabeth Cittie [sic] as it was then called) was one of four incorporations established in the Virginia Colony in 1619 by the proprietor, the Virginia Company of London, acting in accordance with instructions issued by Sir George Yeardley, Governor.[1] This allowed the crown to benefit from the offerings of the new land, including its natural resources, new markets for English goods, and the leverage it provided against the Spanish.[2]
The plantations and developments were divided into four political divisions, called "incorporations", "burroughs", or "cities". These were James City, Charles City, Henrico City, and Kiccowtan or Kecoughtan (later Elizabeth City).[1] Each of the four "citties" [sic] extended across the James River, the main conduit of transportation of the era.
Elizabeth City was located at the mouth of the James River where it meets with Chesapeake Bay.[3] This was crucial to the development of the settlement because it put it in control of transportation on the James River.[3] Settlers who came on ships were first welcomed to Elizabeth City before they moved on to the larger settlement of Jamestown.[3]
- ^ a b Foley, Louise Pledge Heath. Early Families Along the James River. Genealogical Publishing Co.
- ^ Wolfe, Brendan. "Virginia Company of London". Encyclopedia Virginia. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
- ^ a b c "Elizabeth Cittie VA". Thorowgood World. 2022-08-20. Retrieved 2024-01-11.