Jamestown

Jamestown

General Information
Name	Jamestown
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	Historic site
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	37°12 39°N
Map
Population
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Density	per km²
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Government
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Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. It was established by the Virginia Company of London as "James Fort" on May 4, 1607, and was considered permanent after a brief abandonment in 1610. Jamestown served as the capital of the Colony of Virginia for 83 years, from 1616 until 1699.

History

Early years

The settlement was located within the territory of the Powhatan Confederacy, and the early years were fraught with difficulties, including conflict with the Native American tribes, disease, and food shortages. The Starving Time in the winter of 1609-1610 nearly wiped out the colony.

Development

Under the leadership of John Smith, the colony began to stabilize. The introduction of tobacco as a cash crop by John Rolfe in 1612 provided the economic incentive needed for the colony to grow.

Relations with Native Americans

Relations with the Powhatan Confederacy were complex and often hostile. The marriage of Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan, to John Rolfe in 1614 helped establish a period of peace.

Legacy

Jamestown is considered a significant site in American history as it was the first successful English settlement in North America. It laid the foundation for the expansion of English colonization and the eventual establishment of the United States.

Archaeology

The site of Jamestown is now part of the Colonial National Historical Park, and ongoing archaeological work continues to uncover artifacts and structures from the early settlement period.

See also

• Colonial Williamsburg
• Historic Jamestowne
• Jamestown Rediscovery

External links

• National Park Service: Historic Jamestowne
• Historic Jamestowne