Mother Earth: Land Grants in Virginia, 1607-1699

by Walter Stitt Robinson

"Mother Earth: Land Grants in Virginia, 1607-1699" by Walter Stitt Robinson is a historical account written in the mid-20th century. The work examines the complex land grant system that shaped the settlement of Virginia from the beginnings of colonization to the end of the 17th century. The book delves into the motivations for land acquisition, the policies affecting land distribution, and the interactions between English colonists and Native American tribes, uncovering the origins of land ownership in America. The opening of this historical account discusses the significant motivations behind English colonization in Virginia, particularly the desire for land, which attracted various social classes from Europe. It highlights the pivotal role land played in shaping the American identity and explores the tensions arising from colonization, particularly in relation to Indigenous peoples. Robinson sets the stage for a deeper examination of land policies by introducing the initial presence of Native American tribes and the subsequent legal and moral dilemmas faced by British colonizers regarding land rights and sovereignty. This foundational context foreshadows an exploration of land grants and their implications on both the colonists and the Native populations.