What Were the Natural Resources of Colonial Virginia?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 29, 2020

Some of the most significant natural resources of colonial Virginia included lumber, gold, tar, furs and iron. During the colonial period, Virginia was an important agricultural center, and it exported various agricultural products to other colonies.

The rich natural resources of Virginia contributed to the development of plantations that exported cotton, tobacco, vegetables, corn, fruit and livestock in other states. After the 18th century, Virginia became an industrialized state, being an important steel producer. Wine and hemp were further products of Virginia during the colonial era. The colony also exported furs and indigo dye used for clothing manufacturing in other colonies.