Charles City (Virginia Company)

Charles City was one of the four original "incorporations" or divisions of the Virginia Colony established by the Virginia Company of London in 1619. These incorporations, also known as "citties," were administrative units used to govern and organize the expanding colony. The others were James City, Henricus City, and Kecoughtan (later Elizabeth City).

Charles City was located along the James River, upstream from Jamestown, and encompassed a large area of what is now Charles City County and portions of adjacent counties. Its boundaries were somewhat fluid in the early years as the colony's population and geographical understanding grew.

Unlike modern cities, Charles City was not a single, densely populated urban center. Instead, it was a large district containing scattered settlements, plantations, and farms. The purpose of the incorporation was to facilitate governance, land distribution, defense, and the administration of justice within its designated territory.

With the dissolution of the Virginia Company in 1624 and Virginia becoming a royal colony, the "citties" evolved into shires, which later became counties. Charles City became Charles City County in 1634, a political entity that continues to exist today. While the county retains the historical name, it bears little resemblance to the original incorporation established by the Virginia Company. The initial boundaries have changed, and the administrative functions have evolved over centuries of colonial and subsequent American history.

The name "Charles City" honored Prince Charles, the son of King James I of England, who later became King Charles I.