Jamestown

american-history · colonization · virginia · first-settlers

First Permanent Colony. Jamestown was founded on May 14, 1607, by English settlers sent by the Virginia Company of London. It became the first settlement in America that lasted and grew, unlike earlier attempts like Roanoke that failed.

Tough Location Choice. The settlers picked a river island to hide from Spanish naval attacks, but the island had serious problems. It was full of mosquitoes, the water wasn't drinkable, and it was already home to the Paspahegh people who lived there.

Starving Time Winter. During the winter of 1609 to 1610, the settlers faced terrible hunger and cold. Out of 214 original colonists, only 60 survived, showing how dangerous early colonial life truly was.

Tobacco Saves the Day. In 1612, a settler named John Rolfe grew West Indies tobacco in Jamestown, and it became hugely successful. This crop made the colony profitable and wealthy, turning Jamestown into a thriving settlement.