Fire destroys Jamestown, Virginia.

The Jamestown settlement, nestled on the northeast bank of the James (formerly Powhatan) River in the Colony of Virginia, holds the distinction as the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Founded by the Virginia Company of London, a joint-stock company formed to generate profit and establish a colonial presence, "James Fort" was officially established on May 4, 1607 O.S. (Old Style, or May 14, 1607 N.S., accounting for the Gregorian calendar reform). The initial expedition, comprising three ships—the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery—chose this location approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) southwest of the center of modern Williamsburg due to its defensible position and deep-water anchorage. After enduring severe hardships, the settlement was briefly abandoned in 1610, but its rapid reoccupation solidified its permanence. Jamestown's establishment followed several earlier, unsuccessful English colonization attempts, most notably the ill-fated "Lost Colony of Roanoke," which vanished after its founding in 1585 on Roanoke Island, an area later incorporated into North Carolina. From 1616 until 1699, Jamestown served as the colonial capital of Virginia, playing a pivotal role in the early development of British North America.

Early Hardships and the "Starving Time"

Despite the ambitious vision of the Virginia Company and the continuous dispatch of more settlers and vital supplies, Jamestown's early years were plagued by immense hardship and a staggering mortality rate. The period of 1609–1610 became infamously known as the "Starving Time," during which more than 80 percent of the colonists perished, primarily from starvation and widespread disease. Factors contributing to this devastating period included a severe drought, insufficient agricultural knowledge among the colonists (many of whom were gentlemen unaccustomed to manual labor), and increasingly hostile relations with the indigenous Powhatan Confederacy, which limited access to food sources. Diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, scurvy, and malaria, exacerbated by the marshy environment and poor sanitation, decimated the population. Even with the arrival of skilled workers in 1608, including eight Polish and German colonists vital for industries like glassmaking, tar, and pitch production, and the first two European women, the colony teetered on the brink of collapse. In mid-1610, the few remaining survivors, disheartened and desperate, abandoned Jamestown. However, their departure was short-lived; they encountered a resupply convoy, led by the newly appointed governor Lord De La Warr, in the James River, prompting their immediate return and effectively saving the struggling colony from complete failure.

The Arrival of Africans and the Genesis of Slavery in British North America

A profoundly significant event in Jamestown's history, and indeed in American history, occurred in August 1619. This marked the arrival of the first documented enslaved Africans in British North America. Approximately "20 and odd" Angolans, originally captured from the Portuguese slave ship São João Bautista by a British privateer flying a Dutch flag, were brought to what is now Old Point Comfort, near the Jamestown colony. These individuals, forcibly removed from their homeland in present-day Angola, were then purchased by colonial officials and wealthy planters. Initially, their status in the colony was complex, often resembling a system of race-based indentured servitude, where individuals worked for a set period. One prominent figure among them was Angela, who was purchased by William Peirce, a prominent merchant and planter. However, this early form of servitude rapidly evolved. The modern, brutal conception of chattel slavery in the colonial United States began to formalize in the 1640s, notably following the 1640 John Punch hearing, which established a legal precedent for lifetime servitude based on race. By the 1660s, a series of increasingly stringent slave codes were fully entrenched in Virginia law, fundamentally transforming the economic and social fabric of the colony and laying the foundation for centuries of racial oppression.

Jamestown vs. St. George's, Bermuda: A Distinction in Permanence

While Jamestown is recognized as the first permanent English settlement on mainland North America, the London Company's second settlement in Bermuda, St. George's, lays claim to being the site of the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World. St. George's was officially established in 1612 as "New London" and has maintained its municipal status and population continuously since. In contrast, James Fort in Virginia, initially a military outpost, was not formally converted into "James Towne" until 1619. Furthermore, Jamestown did not survive as a continuous settlement to the present day, having ceased to exist as an active town after the capital moved, unlike St. George's which remains a vibrant community.

Later History, Decline, and Modern Rediscovery

Jamestown's trajectory as a colonial capital was not without further challenges. In 1676, during the tumultuous period of Bacon's Rebellion, the settlement faced significant destruction. Led by Nathaniel Bacon, this uprising of frontier settlers and indentured servants against Governor William Berkeley's policies and the Native American population resulted in Jamestown being deliberately burned. Though the town was quickly rebuilt, its fate as the capital was sealed two decades later. In 1699, due to concerns about the site's marshy environment, vulnerability to attack, and the recent fire, the colonial capital was officially moved to Middle Plantation, which was subsequently renamed Williamsburg. With this relocation, Jamestown ceased to function as a significant settlement, gradually fading into historical obscurity. Today, Jamestown exists primarily as a vital archaeological site, undergoing continuous excavation and study through initiatives like Jamestown Rediscovery, which seeks to unearth and interpret the remains of this foundational colony.

Jamestown Today: Part of Virginia's Historic Triangle

Today, Jamestown is a cornerstone of the "Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia," a premier heritage tourism destination that also includes the historically significant sites of Williamsburg and Yorktown. This designation highlights the profound impact these locations had on early American history. Visitors can explore two distinct but complementary primary heritage sites at Jamestown:

Together, these sites offer a comprehensive and engaging narrative of Jamestown's pivotal role in the founding of America.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jamestown

When was Jamestown established?
Jamestown was established as "James Fort" on May 4, 1607 O.S. (May 14, 1607 N.S.) by the Virginia Company of London.
Why was Jamestown considered the first permanent English settlement?
While there were earlier English attempts like Roanoke, Jamestown survived a brief abandonment in 1610 and continuously existed as an English colony, albeit with various transformations, making it the first to endure.
What were the main challenges faced by early Jamestown colonists?
Early colonists faced severe challenges including widespread disease (malaria, dysentery, scurvy), starvation (especially during the "Starving Time" of 1609-1610), conflicts with the Powhatan Confederacy, and a lack of preparedness for agricultural self-sufficiency.
When did the first Africans arrive in Jamestown?
The first documented enslaved Africans arrived in British North America, near Jamestown, in August 1619. They were brought by a British privateer after being taken from a Portuguese slave ship.
Why did the capital move from Jamestown to Williamsburg?
The capital moved from Jamestown to Williamsburg (then Middle Plantation) in 1699 due to the marshy conditions at Jamestown, its vulnerability to attack, and the destruction caused by Bacon's Rebellion in 1676. Williamsburg offered a healthier, more central location.
What is the difference between Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement?
Historic Jamestowne is the actual archaeological site of the original 1607 settlement on Jamestown Island, focusing on ongoing discoveries and preservation. Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum nearby, featuring reconstructed ships, forts, and villages with interpretive programs and costumed interpreters.