Popham's rediscovery came about by two events a century apart. In 1888, a researcher for an American diplomat happened upon a map of Fort St. George in government archives in Madrid. The map provoked little interest for 100 years, until Brain came upon a mention of the lost colony in Maine.

Study Notes

Brain and a team of volunteers work at the Popham Colony site each September since 1997.
Popham Colony was founded in 1607 as England's attempt to establish a colony in the New World.
The colony was named after Sir John Popham and his nephew George Popham.
The group landed on a wooded peninsula where the Kennebec River meets the Atlantic Ocean and began building Fort St. George.
Half of the colonists returned to England due to scarce food and winter coming.
The remaining 45 sailed home after erecting several buildings.
Popham's rediscovery came about by two events a century apart.
In 1888, a researcher for an American diplomat happened upon a map of Fort St. George in government archives in Madrid.
The map contains sketches of trenched ramparts, a store-house, a chapel and various buildings.
The map provoked little interest for 100 years, until Brain came upon a mention of the lost colony in Maine.

Discover the fascinating history of the Popham Colony, England's first attempt to establish a colony in the New World. Learn about Sir John Popham, the colony's founding, and the challenges faced by the colonists as you explore the story behind Fort St. George. Test your knowledge of this historic site with our quiz!