The First Virginia Charter of 1606
The Charter of 1606 begins by stating the intent of the King of England to settle the territory known as Virginia,
and any other parts of America not already owned by any “Christian Prince or People” as seen fit. After then
defining the land allowed each colony (100 miles square with each colony at least 100 miles apart) and
commenting on the conditions of its settlement, the charter provides for the government of the colony.
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Councils are to govern each colony, one council per colony. A Royal Council of Virginia sits in England
and governs both colonies (Jamestown and Massachusetts) under the direction of the King. Each council
consists of thirteen appointed people, and a president chosen by the council.
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The councils of the colonies are to “govern and order all Matters-and Causes, which shall arise, grow, or
happen, to or within” the colonies.
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The councils are to “dig, mine, and search” for all gold, silver, and copper to be found in the territory.
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The councils are also to make a coin, a form of money, in order to trade between colonies and natives.
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Certain gentlemen are permitted the right to establish plantations within the territory that will then fall
under the authority of the charter.
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The colonies are to resist any person who attempts to live in the territory without the permission and
license of the company.
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Any person found to be using the waterways within the limits of the colonies without the permission of
the company can also be stopped and fined. Those who do have permission can transport goods at will
without paying any duty or other fee.
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All people born within the colonies are to have the same rights as in the rest of the English empire.
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No goods can be transported and sold to a foreign territory. Any goods found to have been traded with a
foreign country can be confiscated by the company.

Any person that commits a crime can be punished accordingly.
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Members of the Council in Virginia were chosen prior to departure. Their identities were kept secret
until arrival in Virginia.
Problems at Jamestown
Directions: Read each problem that faced the settlement and propose a solution for each. Be prepared to share
your ideas with the class.
Problem
Possible Solution
1. Starvation, little food
2. Illness and disease
3.
Discouragement due to few
results from hard work
4. Poor/no relations with Indian neighbors
5. Distance from England
6. Environmental problems/ hindrances
7. Limited resources
Summary Question: How did the Charter of 1606 prevent the settlement from solving its day to day problems?