Ancient planter facts for kids
"Ancient planter" was a special name for early colonists who moved to the Colony of Virginia. This was back when the Virginia Company of London managed the colony. These colonists got land if they stayed in Virginia for at least three years. They were the first to receive land grants in Virginia, thanks to rules set by the London Company in 1618.
History of Land Grants
These land grants were like a payment from the Virginia Company of London. The Company was set up as a joint stock company, which means many people bought shares to invest in it. In 1609, the Company sold shares for about twelve pounds ten shillings each. People who traveled to Virginia themselves, risking their lives and time, were counted as owning one share.
By 1616, the Company was supposed to pay back its investors. But the colony hadn't made enough money. So, instead of cash, the Company offered land.
- Colonists who paid their own way: If you paid for your own trip to Virginia and stayed for three years, you got 100 acres of land for your "personal adventure." This land was free of rent. You also got another 100 acres for each share you owned in the London Company.
- Colonists brought by the Company: If the Company paid for your trip (like an indentured servant), you also received 100 acres after your service time ended. But this land had a small yearly rent of one shilling for every 50 acres.
Colonists who arrived after Sir Thomas Dale left in 1616 received less land, only 50 acres. The Company said this was because Sir Thomas Dale had made the colony safer and easier for new arrivals. However, the death rate was still very high, so it wasn't really "easy and secure" for later colonists. Giving less land also saved the Company money.
The term "ancient planter" wasn't a fancy title. It was just a way to describe a colonist who had been there for a long time.
In January 1619/20, John Rolfe wrote that all the "Ancient Planters" were happy because they finally knew where their land was. They started building houses and clearing their land, which gave everyone hope that the colony would grow and succeed.
Finding Out Who They Were
It's hard to make a complete list of all the ancient planters because many old records are missing or not fully correct.
- Colonial Land Office Patents: The Library of Virginia has records of land grants starting from 1623. Many of these records mention "ancient planters" or give clues that show the land was granted under the rules for ancient planters.
- The 1624/5 Muster: This was a census, or count, of the colonists taken when the King took over the colony from the Virginia Company. For some colonists, it tells us when and on which ship they arrived. This helps identify ancient planters.
- 1625 List of Grants: A list of land grants was sent to London in 1625. While it doesn't specifically label "ancient planters," combining this information with other records (like arrival dates) can help figure out who received land as an ancient planter.
