Edward Bennett

Edward Bennett was a wealthy London merchant who established the first large plantation in the United States luring more than 800 immigrants to the New World.

A member of the Virginia Company, Bennett had obtained a patent from the company to establish Bennett’s Plantation, also known as Warrascoyack and Bennett’s Welcome. The first resident arrived in February 1622 aboard the Sea Flower and settled the south bank of the James River at the lower reaches of Burwell’s Bay.

Unfortunately, a month after their arrival began English war against Powhatan (1622-1632) with assaults against many English settlements including Bennett’s Plantation. More than 50 settlers died, while the survivors went to Jamestown. However, by June 1623 he managed to reestablish Bennett’s Plantation. Although he visited Virginia from time to time, from then on Bennett left the management of his lands to his nephews.

In addition to his position of a wealthy London merchant, Edward was also the owner of a large fleet of ships which traded with Virginia, and he performed the function of a Commissioner of Virginia at the Court of England.