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Colonial Virginia
This is a must-read for anyone interested in the founding of the United States. Illustrated with period images and maps, early colonial times come to life as the authors trace Virginia’s history from the first settlers’ landing in 1607 to General Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown in 1781.
The lives of the people of colonial Virginia were among the most exciting and interesting of our country’s past. From the ill-fated group who settled Roanoke Island for Sir Walter Raleigh through the indomitable, now almost fabled John Smith to John Rolfe, who married Pocahontas and also began tobacco cultivation, and Alexander Spotswood, who encouraged the westward expansion of the colony, and on to such distinguished revolutionaries as Washington, Jefferson, and Patrick Henry—they were a colorful lot.
In the retelling of this colony’s history, a lively style sets the book apart from other, more conventional accounts. The fortunate collaboration of Harold B. Gill, Jr., and Finlayson has resulted in a story that is as interesting as it is thoroughly informative. Whether describing the settlement of Jamestown, the development of the tobacco empire, or the famous rebellion of Nathaniel Bacon as he led the poor against a royal governor who favored the rich planters, the authors’ fascination with their subject is contagious.
This is a story of colonial Indian wars, the way of life of the wealthy planters and their slaves, and the spirit of independence that was fostered in the contradictory environment of England’s first colony in the New World.
About the Authors
Harold B. Gill, Jr. (1933 - 2024) was born and raised in Virginia. After graduating from William and Mary College with a master's in American history, he worked as an archivist in the Virginia State Library.
Ann Finlayson (1925 - 2006), a graduate of Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, was the author of seven books, including three highly acclaimed historical Redcoat in Boston; Rebecca’s War and Greenhorn on the Frontier.
The lives of the people of colonial Virginia were among the most exciting and interesting of our country’s past. From the ill-fated group who settled Roanoke Island for Sir Walter Raleigh through the indomitable, now almost fabled John Smith to John Rolfe, who married Pocahontas and also began tobacco cultivation, and Alexander Spotswood, who encouraged the westward expansion of the colony, and on to such distinguished revolutionaries as Washington, Jefferson, and Patrick Henry—they were a colorful lot.
In the retelling of this colony’s history, a lively style sets the book apart from other, more conventional accounts. The fortunate collaboration of Harold B. Gill, Jr., and Finlayson has resulted in a story that is as interesting as it is thoroughly informative. Whether describing the settlement of Jamestown, the development of the tobacco empire, or the famous rebellion of Nathaniel Bacon as he led the poor against a royal governor who favored the rich planters, the authors’ fascination with their subject is contagious.
This is a story of colonial Indian wars, the way of life of the wealthy planters and their slaves, and the spirit of independence that was fostered in the contradictory environment of England’s first colony in the New World.
About the Authors
Harold B. Gill, Jr. (1933 - 2024) was born and raised in Virginia. After graduating from William and Mary College with a master's in American history, he worked as an archivist in the Virginia State Library.
Ann Finlayson (1925 - 2006), a graduate of Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, was the author of seven books, including three highly acclaimed historical Redcoat in Boston; Rebecca’s War and Greenhorn on the Frontier.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2024
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