Virginia Company of London vs. Plymouth: Who Brought the Pilgrims?
Setting the Record Straight: Two Companies, Two Colonies
No. The **Virginia Company of London** (not Plymouth) established **Jamestown, Virginia (1607)** — the first permanent English settlement.
The **Pilgrims** (Separatist Puritans) were a distinct group:
- Chartered by the **Virginia Company of London** (same company) but sailed on the **Mayflower (1620)**.
- Intended for northern Virginia (Hudson River) but landed at **Cape Cod**.
- Founded **Plymouth Colony** (Massachusetts) — outside Virginia Company's territory.
- Governed by **Mayflower Compact**, not Virginia Company.
Virginia Company of Plymouth (Plymouth Company)
- Separate charter (1606) for **northern Virginia** (38°–45° N).
- Established **Popham Colony, Maine (1607)** — failed after 1 year.
- Dissolved 1609; charter revoked.
Summary
| Company | Colony | Year | Outcome |
|---|
| Virginia Company of London | Jamestown, VA | 1607 | Success |
| Virginia Company of Plymouth | Popham, ME | 1607 | Failed |
| (London Co. charter used by Pilgrims) | Plymouth, MA | 1620 | Success (separate governance) |
The Pilgrims were Puritans; Jamestown settlers were mostly Anglican adventurers. Different motives, different charters, different colonies.
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