Jamestown1607

History of Jamestown

• Jamestown was founded on May 14, 1607.

• It was the first successful colony in North America.

• The settlers were English & came to acquire land & money.

• The settlers were not prepared for the challenging lifestyle.

• Most of the settlers died the first year.

History of Jamestown (con’t.)

• “The Starving Time” marked 9 months of death and disease due to the settlers inability to grow enough food.

• John Smith (the leader of the settlement) eventually brought order to Jamestown.

• He imposed rules that forced settlers to work rather than forage for the gold that was rumored to be in the land.

• “He who shall not work, neither shall he eat.”

History of Jamestown (con’t.)

• Native American tribes (e.g. Powhatans) in the area helped the settlement survive.

• The settlement began to flourish when the settlers learned to farm and refine tobacco.

• This unhealthy habit was wildly popular in Europe and Virginia tobacco was considered high quality.

Jamestown: The Myth

• There is still much debate on the role of Pocahontas.

• She did exist but whether or not she saved the life of John Smith is contested. Some believe her “rescue” of Smith was strictly ceremonial & staged.

• She did marry John Rolfe in 1614 (the same year as the first sale of Virginia tobacco).

The Dark Side of Jamestown

• Relations with the Powhatans ranged from friendly to hostile.

• Settlers intentionally poisoned natives at one point, instantly killing 200.

• Jamestown residents also established the first native reservation.

• African slaves were also purchased in 1619.

Maps of John Smith’s Voyages

Village of Pomeiooc: An Algonkian Village

Jamestown Resources

• Timeline & history of Jamestown: http://www.historian.org/local/jamstwnva.htm

• Interactive site by National Geographic: http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/jamestown/

• History of Jamestown: http://www.apva.org/history/index.html• Virtual exhibits of Jamestown settlement:

http://www.virtualjamestown.org/• Stories of the Jamestown settlers & a celebration of the 400th

anniversary of Jamestown: http://www.jamestown1607.org/home.asp