Social Divisions In Colonial Virginia

Everyday life in Colonial Virginia, much like society today, was shaped by social divisions. It’s influence was seen in almost every aspect of a person’s life: their home, their religion, their education, and their leisure time. Having a certain status was not enough for the gentry of this time, it was just as important that the wealthy were able to flaunt how much they had to give away. Events like going to church or going to a tavern were now key social outings that reinforced one’s place in society. Although social mobility was slim, everyone strived to assert their dominance amongst their social peers. In Colonial Virginia, success was based on location, and location was based on status. One prevalent social distinction that shaped
Most churches were located near the center of a town and were accessible by roads.# This was essential for easy access and to ensure there would be a crowd. During this time period, church was less of a place for piety and more a social harbor. “The seating plans of the Virginia churches-accentuated by the manner of entry and exit-exhibited the community to itself in ranked order.”# The wealthier plantation owners had the option of renting the front pews by donating money to the church. Not only did this put them to closer to the minister, it also demonstrated their closer relationship to God while reinforcing the idea the wealthier were more worthy of going to heaven.# Those who were able to sit up front did not have to worry about arriving to sermons early to find a good seat. On the contrary, wealthier Virginians showed up late to assert their status. They would walk down the length of the church in their best clothes, shake hands with everyone they knew along the way, and show off their social status as they made their way to the front. Everyone who was already sitting down was reminded that these people had the ability and status that only comes to those who can afford it. Church was the center of life in Colonial Virginia because it was one of the best places to show off your wealth. It was also a place to increase your wealth. Many merchants and plantations owners brought items to sell and trade to church because almost the entire town was gathered in one place. It allowed smaller farmers to make social connections with the wealthy and, therefore, increase their own social status. Although church has a reputation of building a relationship with God and being humble, church played an important role in reinforcing social