Jamestown Colony Overview

Jamestown Colony

• First permanent English settlement in North America, near present-day Williamsburg, Virginia.
• Settled in 1607.
• "Virginia" was the English name for the entire eastern coast of North America in 1606.
• 100 colonists departed England in 1606 on three ships (Susan Constant, Godspeed, Discovery). Commanded by Christopher Newport.
• Colonists traded metal tools and goods for food supplies with Native Americans.
• Captain John Smith, a mercenary, fought in the Netherlands and Hungary.
• Christopher Newport explored rivers flowing into the Chesapeake Bay, searching for a route to the Pacific Ocean.
• Newport led three ships carrying settlers in 1607 to the James River, establishing Jamestown.

Early Jamestown Challenges

• Serious problems arose in August 1607.
• Contaminated water and disease-carrying insects (mosquitoes) led to dysentery, diarrhea, and fever.
• Limited food rations as well contributed to widespread sickness and death.
• First major casualties occurred in 1607 due to disease and lack of sufficient food and clean water.

Leadership Changes

• Captain John Smith's leadership played a major role in helping the settlement overcome early challenges.
• President Ratcliffe resigned as captain of the Discovery due to dissatisfaction.
• John Smith took over in 1608
• George Percy became the colony's leader after Smith was injured.

Starving Time

• The winter of 1609-1610 was known as the Starving Time due to severe lack of food.
• Many people died.

Other Important Developments

• Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan, contributed to peace between Powhatan people and the English settlers.
• Tobacco industry was established.
• First Africans arrived in English America in 1619 but initially as indentured servants, rather than enslaved.

Explore the history of the Jamestown Colony, the first permanent English settlement in North America. This quiz covers its establishment in 1607, key figures like Christopher Newport and Captain John Smith, and the challenges faced by early settlers. Test your knowledge of this pivotal moment in American history.