OTD News: Baron West Named Governor of Jamestown

JAMESTOWN, Va (February 29, 1610) -- Since landing and settling in Jamestown three years ago, the settlers have had trouble with leadership, the natives and a beginning of some type of governing force. Last night, the Virginia Company began to put an end to these troubles.

The King of England officially decided to appoint a member of the royal council to govern Jamestown before the voyage to the Virginia colony. That was in 1606 as King James became the biggest investor of the Virginia Company of London.

His 500 pound investment was starting to show signs of a low payoff, if any. Last year the Charter of 1609 abolished the council. Knowing the importance of having a governor who would be in Jamestown indefinitely, the Virginia Company selected their own permanent resident governor. Baron West was selected yesterday just before the month of March was set to begin.

The Baron says he will take immediate steps to stabilize the colony. His first step in doing so is said to be setting up the colonies first organized military.