Starting new colonies is one of the most noble and heroic endeavors. In the early days of humanity, civilizations grew rapidly, but as time passed, they expanded more deliberately. New colonies can be seen as the offspring of older nations, continuing their legacy. A successful colony begins with unoccupied land—taking land from others isn’t planting; it’s uprooting. Colonizing is much like planting a forest: you must be patient, willing to forgo profits for nearly two decades before reaping rewards. Many colonies fail because of greed—trying to extract wealth too quickly. While early returns shouldn’t be ignored, they must always align with the long-term health of the colony.
Using criminals or immoral people as settlers is both shameful and disastrous. Such people tend to cause trouble, avoid work, and drain resources. Instead, colonies need skilled and hardworking people: farmers, blacksmiths, carpenters, fishers, and a few specialists like doctors, cooks, and bakers. Begin by understanding what the land naturally provides—fruits, nuts, honey, or other native foods. Next, plant fast-growing crops like carrots, turnips, maize, or beans. Staples like wheat or barley require too much labor early on, but beans and peas serve as both food and bread substitutes. Rice, too, can yield abundant harvests.
Initially, bring ample supplies of preserved food—biscuits, oatmeal, flour—to sustain settlers until the colony becomes self-sufficient. When introducing livestock, prioritize animals that are hardy and reproduce quickly, such as pigs, goats, chickens, and turkeys. Resources must be rationed as carefully as they would be during a siege, with communal gardens and grain fields managed collectively. Only allow individuals to farm private plots once basic needs are met.
Consider what natural resources the land offers that could offset costs—timber, for example, is often abundant and valuable. If there is iron ore and running water for mills, producing iron can be highly profitable. In suitable climates, try making salt, growing silk, or extracting pitch and tar from pine trees. However, avoid excessive focus on mining, as its results are uncertain and it can distract settlers from essential tasks.
Governance is crucial. A single leader, supported by advisors, should oversee the colony and be empowered to enforce martial law with reasonable limits. Above all, ensure the settlers maintain their faith and see their work as part of a higher purpose. Avoid overcomplicating the government by involving too many people from the mother country—choose a small group of wise leaders, preferably noblemen or gentlemen, who will focus on the colony’s long-term success rather than immediate profits.
Grant tax exemptions until the colony is stable, and allow settlers to trade freely wherever they can get the best price for their goods, unless there is a compelling reason to restrict them. Don’t send too many settlers at once, as overcrowding leads to shortages and hardship. Monitor the colony’s needs and send reinforcements gradually, ensuring everyone has the resources to thrive.
Health is vital. Avoid settling in marshy or unhealthy areas near rivers, even if they are convenient for transport. Instead, build slightly inland. Salt is essential for preserving food and maintaining health, so bring plenty of it. If the land is shared with indigenous people, treat them fairly and respectfully, but always with caution. Don’t manipulate them into attacking their enemies, but it’s reasonable to defend them if needed. Occasionally send some of them to the mother country so they can witness its advantages and share their experiences upon returning.
Once the colony is strong, encourage families to join. A successful settlement should grow naturally, not rely solely on new arrivals. Finally, abandoning a colony that has begun to flourish is one of the worst failures imaginable. Not only does it bring dishonor, but it also endangers the lives of the settlers left behind, making such neglect a grave moral failing.
Bacon Blueprint 