About

When the English colonists arrived in the New World in 1607, they faced significant hardship including the Starving Time of 1609. The drama and humanity of early Virginia settlement often distracts from the other important colonizers-livestock. Cows, chickens, pigs, honeybees and many other livestock are plentiful today, but how did they get here? They too came over on ships with the English and became a protected and vital part of establishing a successful permanent settlement. Natural herds needed to be established which proved challenging. Free-range livestock caused wolves to encroach on the area, called by easy meals. Laws were enacted and enforced regarding livestock slaughter eligibility, creating strict guidelines for the treatment of privately owned animals. Learn more about the journey of Virginia's early animal colonists-from oceanic adventures to wolf prey and beyond.