Cole's Ordinary was the first documented ordinary (and was built in 1663 in Boston)
The factors were mostly geographical. They had Nile to help them make food and have surpluses for trading and they were also protected from intrusions on all sides. One side had the desert, one had Nile, and one had the Sea, and nobody could just easily attack and destroy them.
"Guns" were not an African good traded in exchange for European goods, since Africa did not have the factories need to assemble the guns, which were instead made in Europe.
Economic reasons. It was an economic venture by the Virginia company. Hope this helps!
Too small? Idk if it's too broad of an answer but that's what I've been told
