What characterized immigrants who settled in the Chesapeake area?

Immigrants who settled in the Chesapeake area during the 17th and 18th centuries were primarily English, seeking economic opportunities and land. Many were indentured servants, bound to work for a period in exchange for passage and eventual freedom. The region's tobacco economy attracted newcomers, leading to a diverse population including both free and enslaved individuals. The harsh conditions and reliance on labor shaped a society characterized by social stratification and a plantation-based economy.