Map of Virginia, 1615.

Repro ID: PX7335

Description: Virginia, on the east coast of mainland America, was the home of some of the first British colonists. George Washington, the first American president, was a Virginian from Northamptonshire stock. Virginia has a warm, fertile climate, perfect for the growing of tobacco. The tobacco leaf was first introduced to England by Francis Drake in 1585, and smoking became popular, especially among the wealthier classes, from that time.

Creator: Unknown

Date: 1615

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London