What couldn't Jamestown make in 1650

by trampolinebears

Jamestown, Virginia almost failed in its early years, but soon it was a well-established English colony. By 1650, there were glassworkers, blacksmiths, farmers, etc.

What sort of products were out of reach of the manufacturing capabilities of 1650 Jamestown? That is, what sorts of things was Jamestown simply unable to produce that they had to buy from somewhere else?

colevintage

Jamestown was going to produce only what was needed locally in terms of finished goods. Think in terms of food or repairs. Their main purpose was to produce as much raw goods as possible (tobacco, furs, iron ore, etc) to send back to England for processing and exportation. So, the blacksmith in Jamestown would import iron that had been processed for working on local things like horse shoes, locks, repairs, some farming equipment (VA soil and trees were not like English ones), and the like. He wouldn't be making easily mass produced items like nails or most basic tools. Textiles and some finished clothing goods, like stockings and shoes, were being imported according to a English description of Virginia from 1649 (possibly John Farrer). Other household goods would have to be brought in as well, like furniture. The capital moved to Williamsburg in 1699 and the first cabinetmaker wasn't there until 1722. Medicine, soap, grooming tools, haberdashery, leather, weaponry, and so much more had to be imported. Even some things that could be made locally would still be imported by some people. Clothing custom made by tailors and mantua-makers in England was still being imported from England all through the 18th century despite having many workers in those trades available in the colonies (for economic reasons, not quality). While there was no printing press operating in Jamestown at this time, the VA Gazettes begin in 1736 and contain lengthy lists from shops of what they were importing and advertising for sale. Even 100 years later they were still importing vast amounts.