James City Shire

James City Shire was formed in the British colony of Virginia in 1634.

During the 17th century, shortly after establishment of the Jamestown Settlement in 1607, English settlers and explored and began settling the areas adjacent to Hampton Roads. In 1634, by order of the Charles I, King of England, eight shires or counties with a total population of approximately 5,000 inhabitants were established in the colony of Virginia.

James City Shire, as well as the James River and Jamestown took their name from King James I, the late father of the king. About 1642–43, the name of the James City Shire was changed to James City County. It is considered one of the 5 original shires of the Virginia colony to be extant essentially in the same political form (county) in 2005.

Williamsburg became an independent city from James City County in 1884. However, it is still the county seat of James City County, and they share a school system, courts, and some constitutional officers.

This article incorporates text from the public domain 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica.