The Royal Colony

After 50 or so years of being governed by eight English businessmen, Carolina became a royal colony, making it one of the "13 original colonies." With protection from the king's army, invasion by the Spaniards and harrassment by pirates who had interfered with trade ceased to be a problem for the citizens of Charles Town, and the wall around the city began to come down. Charles Towne prospered immensely and was the wealthiest city in the colonies, stemming from its role as a primary seaport as well as the success of growing indigo and rice on nearby plantations.