James City (or James Cittie as it was then called) was one of four incorporations established in the Virginia Colony in 1619 by the proprietor, the Virginia Company. The plantations and developments were divided into four "incorporations" or "citties" [sic], as they were called. These were Charles City, Elizabeth City, Henrico City, and James City.[1] James City included the seat of government for the colony at Jamestown. Each of the four "citties" [sic] extended across the James River, the main conduit of transportation of the era.
In 1634, under Royal authority, a portion became James City Shire, later the County of James City (aka James City County). James City was established in 1619, along with 3 more. In 1634, it was abolished in favor of more counties. April 1623, the Privy Council appointed the proposal and commissioned a compromise. During the re-establishment, the Crown took over the company through a new charter similar to the one of 1606. The company refused this charter, causing the crown to issue a writ of quo warrant for annulment of the charter, ending the Virginia Company in May, 1624.[2]