The Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown was the very first lasting English town in America. It was built in 1607 in what is now Virginia. About 100 men and boys sailed from England to start it. The early years in Jamestown were very hard. But the settlers stayed, and Jamestown grew.

Hard Times

When the settlers first arrived, they faced many problems. The land was swampy, and the water made them sick. They did not grow enough food to eat. Many people got sick and died. A brave leader named John Smith helped the group survive.

Friends and Neighbors

The Powhatan people lived in the land around Jamestown. At first, they helped the settlers with food and supplies. A young Powhatan girl named Pocahontas became famous for her friendship with the settlers. Over time, the two groups had both good and bad times together. Jamestown slowly grew into a bigger colony.

Fun Facts

• Only about 60 of the first 500 settlers lived through the first few years.
• Tobacco became the crop that saved Jamestown.
• The name Jamestown honors King James I of England.

Did You Know?

Archaeologists are still digging at Jamestown today and finding old tools, bones, and even buttons from long ago.