All About the History of Jamestown
Eliza | 01 - 03 - 2022
Updated: March 1, 2022 11:00 pm IST
Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the U.S founded by the Virginia Company of London in 1607. It was the capital of Virginia for nearly 100 years, and it’s also called America’s birthplace. We have clubbed some important facts you may not know about the Jamestown colony. Play our history of Jamestown quiz to unlock the answers. What are you waiting for? Find out what early life was like in the Jamestown settlement.
1. When Was Jamestown Founded?
Jamestown was founded in 1607. It was the first successful English settlement in the United States. Jamestown is currently located in Williamsburg.
2. Name the three ships that the original settlers brought to Jamestown.
The three ships that landed in Jamestown were the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. These ships started their journey from London on December 20, 1606. You can find replicas of the ships at Jamestown.
3. Jamestown Was Named After King James I.
Jamestown was named after King James I because he played a major role in founding Jamestown and was also permitted to start a colony in North America. Even the James river was named after him.
4. How Many Passengers Went to Jamestown?
More than 100 English boys and men went to North America to start the first English settlement.
5. Who Funded the Jamestown Settlement?
The Virginia Company of London funded the settlement because it wanted to profit and establish an English colony in the New World. The Company got permission from King James for colonial pursuit in 1606.
6. How Were Virginia’s Early Relations With Native Americans?
Native Americans who lived in Jamestown before the arrival of the English had mixed feelings about the colonists. The marriage between Pocahontas and colonists brought peace between Native Americans and colonists.
7. How Many Settlers Died in Jamestown in the First Six Months?
The population of Jamestown in the first six months is estimated to have been about 70 settlers. Out of 110 men and boys, only 40 were alive in 1809.
8. Was There Cannibalism in Jamestown?
Yes. Research and forensic studies say that cannibalism was practiced in Jamestown. People also consumed dogs, cats, and horses. Archaeological studies revealed that a girl named Jane was consumed during starvation.
9. What Was the Starving Time in Jamestown?
Winter of 1609-1610 is considered “the starving time.” Harsh winter, poor leadership, contaminated drinking water, and food shortages were the causes of the starving time.
10. What Percentage of Jamestown Died During 1609-1610?
90 percent of the Jamestown residents died during the winter of 1609-1610. The colonists started to eat horses, cats, dogs, rats, and even shoe leathers.
11. When Did the First Women Arrive in Jamestown?
Mistress Forrest and her maid were the first women to arrive in Jamestown in 1608. She married carpenter John Laydon and theirs was the first Jamestown wedding.
12. When Did the First African Arrive in Jamestown?
The first Africans arrived in Jamestown in late 1619. They were a group of “twenty and odd” who originated from Angola in West Central Africa.
13. Where Is Jamestown in the Present Day?
Jamestown is near present-day Williamsburg. Williamsburg, a city in Virginia is known as the premier center for preservation and interpretation of American colonial history.
14. Was John Smith the First Leader of Jamestown?
Captain John Smith became the first leader of Jamestown in 1608. He played an important role in founding Jamestown. Smith brought the “He who will not work shall not eat” rule.
15. Jamestown Remained the Capital of Virginia Until 1699.
Jamestown was the capital of Virginia from 1616 to 1699. The capital was changed to Williamsburg because of diseases, contaminated water, higher elevation, and fire accidents.
