Virginia 1607

Marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of Virginia

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of Virginia, America’s first permanent English colony – established 13 years before the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts. This event sparked a series of cultural encounters that were to define the American nation. This study day addresses European imperialism in America by placing Virginia within the wider context of English colonization, in order to discuss whether what was established in 1607 was aberrant or exemplary. It will also examine Spain and France’s role in this international political drama and explore the encounter between the English and Native Americans. It will look in particular at John Smith, who is so linked in the popular imagination with Pocahontas, that the truth about his character and contribution to the founding of Jamestown is often overlooked.

Dr Trevor Burnard, Professor of American History and Head of American Studies, University of Sussex
Dr Peter Thompson, Sydney L Mayer University Lecturer in American History, University of Oxford
Dr Bruce Lenman, Professor of History, University of St Andrews
John Haden, lecturer, author and head of ARIES, the American Roots in English Soil Project

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