George Thorpe (Virginia colonist) facts for kids

George Thorpe (born January 1, 1576 – died March 22, 1622) was an important person in early American history. He owned land, served in the English Parliament, made alcohol, was an educator, and invested a lot of money in companies that started colonies in the Americas. George Thorpe was born at Wanswell Court, his family's home in Gloucestershire, England.

Early Life and Family

George Thorpe was the oldest son of Nicholas and Mary Wilkes Thorpe. He studied law in London starting in 1598. He also worked as a local judge in Gloucestershire for many years.

In 1600, George Thorpe married Margaret Porter. They did not have any children who lived to adulthood. After Margaret died in 1610, George married Margaret Harris in 1611. They had five children together. At least two of their sons, William and John, grew up.

In 1614, George Thorpe became a Member of Parliament for Portsmouth. Around this time, he also became a major investor in big companies. These included the Virginia Company of London, the East India Company, and the Somers Isles Company. He also invested in the Berkeley Hundred settlement.

Life in the Virginia Colony

George Thorpe was connected to important people in the Jamestown colony. He was interested in helping Native Americans learn about English culture and religion. He teamed up with others to own and run a private settlement in Virginia. He sold his property in England and sailed to Virginia, arriving in March 1620.

Once in Virginia, he was put in charge of 10,000 acres of land. This land was meant for a university and a school for Native Americans. He also became a member of the governor's main advisory group, called the Council of Virginia. Later, George Thorpe became a leader at the Berkeley Hundred settlement.

Plans for a College

In 1620, George Thorpe was made the superintendent of land set aside by the Virginia Company of London. This land was for a college and a school for Native Americans in the colony. The planned college was located on the James River at Henricus. The Church of England supported this project.

People in England were very excited about the idea. King James asked for money to be collected for the college. Early donations included money, books, and special items for church services.

Sadly, when George Thorpe was killed in 1622, the plans for the school were never restarted. In 2000, Henrico County placed a marker at the site of the proposed school. It explains that George Thorpe was hired to manage the land for the college. The school was meant to teach Native American children and introduce them to English ways. Thorpe and many other colonists were killed on March 22, 1622, during attacks by Native Americans. This event ended the early efforts to build a university there.

Today, The College of William & Mary says it has a historical link to this early college idea.

First American Whiskey

George Thorpe is known for making the first batch of whiskey from corn. This was the start of what would later become Bourbon whiskey. In the fall of 1620, George Thorpe made a drink from corn. In a letter from December 19, 1620, he mentioned a "soe good drinke of Indian corne" that he had made.

Death

On March 22, 1622, George Thorpe was killed at Berkeley Hundred. This happened during a series of attacks by Native Americans led by Opechancanough against settlements along the James River. This event is known as the Indian massacre of 1622.