As the first successful English settlement in what is today the United States, Jamestown is sometimes considered to be the earliest history of the modern nation of the USA. It all started in 1607 when three ships from England arrived in North America and founded the settlement - the tail was to be one of survival, conflict, struggle, but ultimate success in their endeavor.
When visiting Jamestown, take time to visit other historic sites of Williamsburg and Yorktown, together they make up Virginia's Historic Triangle. Many of the things that happened in the trying years of the settlement of Jamestown are chilling, and so it is only fitting that Jamestown is today the host of America's oldest ghost tour.
The Arrival of the English In Jamestown
On December 6, 1606, the three small ships set sail arriving in Virginia on May 13, 1607. The people on board these ships were made up of 104 English men and boys (no women initially). On arriving in the new world, they went about founding Jamestown - naming it after their King - James I.
- Jamestown: The First Successful English Settlement
- Ships: Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery
- First: Jamestown Was The First Permanent English North American Settlement
- Settlers: 104 English Men and Boys
The site chosen was for a number of reasons, at that stage it was not fully an island and was easily defensible against possible Spanish attacks. The water was deep enough to bring ships to the shore, and it was not inhabited by the Native population. Although as it turned out it was Powhatan hunting land.
- First President: Edward Maria Winfield
By June 15 the rudimentary triangle-shaped fort was completed. In the corners, it could hold four or five pieces of artillery. Diseases and many other issues plagued the early settlement leading to the death of many.
Jamestown Conflict With The Local Powhatan Indians
Early relations with the Local Powhatan Indians were mixed. But as the settlers were struggling with unimaginable hardships and diseases, the local Chief Powhatan send gifts of food to help the English. Had it not been for the help of the Powhatan in these early years, the settlement would likely not have succeeded. They would likely have died of diseases and starved.
But their cordial times didn't last as the English demanded too much food during the drought. In the winter of 1609-10, the English were scared to leave the fort for fear of being killed by the Powhatan Indians. Most (around 80-90% of them) died by 1610 due to starvation and disease.
Pocahontas also helped bring peace between the English and her people (she was also kidnaped by the English in 1613).
- Pocahontas: Brought Peace For A Time
Jamestown was nearly abandoned but new settlers and the growing of tobacco made the settlement profitable. In 1619 the Virginia Company managed to recruit and send out around 90 women to become wives and to start families in Jamestown and turn it into a permanent colony.
Open Wars With The Powhatan
Peace between the English and the Powhatan Indians ended in 1622, and they began a coordinated attack on the English settlements. The attack saw around 350-400 of the 1,200 settlers killed, after the attack the Indians thought the English would leave or back up and leave.
Instead, the English regrouped and attacked - starting off a 10-year war until peace was made in 1632. English encroachments on native lands continued as more and more settlers arrived in the colony. Time was on the side of the English settlers.
The Powhatan chief Opechancanough attacked again in 1644 and killed another 350-400 of the now 8,000 settlers. But it backfired, and he was captured and killed in 1646. After that, the Powhatan were reduced to tributary status.
The troubles of Jamestown continued until it was eventually abandoned as the capital moved to nearby Williamstown. But the English colony in Virginia was secure by the mid-1600s.
Visiting Jamestown Today
Today, Jamestown is a major attraction and part of the Historic Triangle of Virginia. There is a replica of the early fort nearby the archeological site and one can also visit the archeological site of Jamestown.
- General admission: $25.00 per adult
- Address: 1368 Colonial Pkwy, Jamestown, VA 23081
Opening Hours:
- Entrance Gate: 8:45am–4:30pm
- Closed: Nov. 25, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1
Many programs are included with admission to Historic Jamestowne, one should check their calendar to see what's one.