During the 17th century, travel in Virginia was mainly by boat. As the
roads leading from Jamestown to the nearby settlements were usually in
deplorable condition, especially after heavy rains, the settlers
preferred to travel by water whenever possible. As the colony grew, and
roads were improved somewhat, travel by horse became more common,
especially for short trips. After 1650 the use of wagons increased, and
records indicate that a few of the more prosperous planters imported
fine carriages from England.