The primary economic activity of colonial Virginia was tobacco cultivation. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for growing this cash crop. Tobacco became a cornerstone of Virginia's economy, driving trade and attracting settlers seeking wealth. The labor-intensive nature of tobacco farming also led to the establishment of a plantation system, utilizing indentured servants and, later, enslaved Africans. This economic focus influenced Virginia's social structure and contributed to the development of a wealthy elite, as the profits from tobacco fueled both local economies and broader trade networks within the Atlantic world.