What crop became the cornerstone of the Virginia economy?

Tobacco emerged as the cornerstone of the Virginia economy, significantly shaping both the colony's agricultural practices and its social structure. Introduced in the early 17th century, the cultivation of tobacco quickly became vital due to its high demand in Europe, especially in England. The plant thrived in Virginia's climate and rich soil, which made it a lucrative export commodity.

The economic success of tobacco led to extensive land cultivation, the establishment of plantations, and an increased reliance on indentured servitude and, later, enslaved labor to meet the labor demands of this labor-intensive crop. This shift in labor dynamics also had profound social and political implications, contributing to the development of a distinct social hierarchy in colonial Virginia.

As a result, the economy became heavily dependent on tobacco production, which influenced settlement patterns, trade relationships, and the overall trajectory of economic development in the region. This solidified tobacco's role as a foundational element of Virginia's economic landscape and its overall historical legacy.