Martin’s Hundred: How Richard Martin Shaped Early Virginia

In the early 17th century, English ambitions for colonial expansion were in full swing. Central to these efforts was Richard Martin (1570-1618), a legal expert whose passion for colonization significantly influenced the development of Virginia. His name would become forever associated with one of the colony’s early settlements: Martin’s Hundred.

Richard Martin: The Legal Architect of Virginia’s Ambitions

Richard Martin was not just any lawyer; his influence extended deep into the heart of England’s colonial ventures. Born in 1570, Martin rose to prominence as a skilled lawyer and orator. His legal expertise and passion for the Virginia Colony made him an integral figure in shaping the colony’s direction through his work with the Virginia Company.

In 1614, Martin delivered a notable speech before the House of Commons. His address championed Virginia not only as a profitable endeavor but as a mission to spread English customs and Christianity among indigenous peoples. However, his delivery didn’t land as intended. Described as “like a schoolmaster teaching his scholars,” Martin’s tone was viewed as condescending by many in Parliament, leading him to apologize. Still, his devotion to Virginia remained unshaken, and his name would soon be tied to a new settlement—Martin’s Hundred.

The Founding of Martin’s Hundred

In 1618, the Virginia Company sought to attract wealthy English investors by offering land grants in Virginia. One such grant was Martin’s Hundred, named in honor of Richard Martin for his unwavering support of the colony. The term “hundred” referred to a traditional English administrative division, typically supporting around 100 families. Martin’s Hundred, located along the northern shore of the James River about seven miles below Jamestown, covered approximately 21,500 acres.

By January 1619, around 250 settlers had arrived at the settlement. These settlers, a mix of gentlemen and laborers, were tasked with building homes, cultivating the land, and establishing governance in the new colony. The administrative center, Wolstenholme Towne, was a fortified community of rough cabins that reflected both the hardships and aspirations of the settlers. As with other English colonies, wealthier settlers received larger land grants, while laborers handled the manual tasks needed to make the plantation viable.

However, the settlers at Martin’s Hundred faced significant challenges, including limited resources, disease, and conflicts with the local Powhatan tribes.

The Massacre of 1622

On March 22, 1622, the Powhatan Confederacy launched a surprise attack on English settlements along the James River, including Martin’s Hundred. The attack, led by Chief Opechancanough, was in response to the English encroachment on Native lands. At Martin’s Hundred, about 140 people lived in the settlement at the time, and nearly half—around 70 men, women, and children—were killed in a single day.

The Indian Massacre of 1622 sent shockwaves through the Virginia Colony. For Martin’s Hundred, it was a devastating setback. Survivors fled to nearby plantations for safety, and the massacre exposed the vulnerability of the English settlements. In the wake of the attack, the English retaliated, launching aggressive military campaigns against Powhatan villages. This marked the beginning of a long period of violent conflict between the settlers and the Powhatan tribes.

Martin’s Hundred After the Massacre

Though the massacre had a significant impact, it did not mark the end of Martin’s Hundred. After the attack, the settlement was rebuilt, demonstrating the resilience of the English settlers and the strategic importance of the land. Martin’s Hundred continued to play a key role in Virginia’s development as a model for other plantations, offering lessons on defense and governance in the face of conflict with indigenous populations.

The attack also had wider implications for the Virginia Colony as a whole. In 1624, just two years after the massacre, Virginia transitioned into a royal colony, placing it under direct oversight of the English Crown and ending the Virginia Company’s control. The massacre of 1622, including the tragedy at Martin’s Hundred, revealed weaknesses in the Virginia Company’s management, prompting this significant shift.

Richard Martin’s Lasting Legacy in Virginia

While Martin’s Hundred is Richard Martin’s most famous connection to Virginia, his influence extended beyond this single settlement. His work with the Virginia Company was crucial in shaping policies regarding land grants and governance. Martin’s legal expertise allowed him to navigate the complex political and financial landscape of England’s colonial ambitions. His efforts to secure both political and financial backing for the colony ensured that Virginia remained a priority for English investors.

Despite setbacks like the 1622 massacre, Martin’s vision for Virginia as a sustainable English society persisted. His dedication to creating a colony that mirrored English governance, culture, and social structures laid the groundwork for Virginia’s eventual transformation into a prosperous and stable colony.

Recommended Reading:

1. Hume, Ivor Noël. Martin’s Hundred: The Discovery of a Lost Colonial Virginia Settlement. Knopf, 1982.
2. “Martin, Richard (1570-1618).” The History of Parliament: The House of Commons 1558-1603.
3. “Martin’s Hundred.” The Historical Marker Database