Charles City Shire

During the 17th century, shortly after the establishment of the settlement at Jamestown in 1607, English settlers explored and began settling the areas adjacent to Hampton Roads.

On, November 18, 1618, the Virginia Company of London, proprietor of the colony, gave instructions on the formation of a laudable government for the Colony to Sir George Yeardley when he departed from London to become full governor of Virginia.

As directed, in 1619, Governor Yeardley[1] established four large corporations, termed citties (sic), which were designated to encompass the developed portion of the colony.

By 1634, by order of Charles I, eight shires were formed with a total population of approximately 5,000 inhabitants.

In 2005, Charles City County is considered one of only five shires in Virginia still extant, having remained essentially the same political entity as it was when originally formed.