Virginia became a royal colony in which year?

• A. 1619
• B. 1632
• C. 1649
• D. 1624

Answer: (D)

This question tests how colonial governance shifted from private company control to direct royal authority. Virginia began as a settlement governed by the Virginia Company of London, a private enterprise that financed and directed the colony. Over time, financial troubles and governance challenges led the Crown to step in. In 1624, King James I revoked the company’s charter and installed Virginia as a royal colony, with governors and laws appointed by the Crown rather than by a private company. This transition shows the Crown taking direct responsibility for colonial administration, a milestone that distinguishes a royal colony from earlier company-controlled years. (For context, 1619 is known for the first representative assembly in Virginia, while 1632 and 1649 relate to other colonies and issues, not Virginia’s status change.)