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James Towne: A Struggle for Survival in 17th Century Virginia

Gregory Woods

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James Towne was the first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607 on the James River in present-day Virginia. The settlers faced many challenges, including disease, starvation, and conflict with the Native Americans. Despite these challenges, James Towne survived and grew, eventually becoming the capital of the Virginia Colony.

James Towne: Struggle for Survival

by Marcia Sewall

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Language	:	English
File size	:	12042 KB
Print length	:	40 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Founding of James Towne

In 1606, the Virginia Company of London received a charter from King James I of England to establish a colony in North America. The company sent three ships to the New World, and on May 14, 1607, the settlers arrived at the site of James Towne.

The settlers were led by Captain John Smith, a former soldier and explorer. Smith was a strong leader, but he was also a harsh disciplinarian. He quickly established a strict set of rules for the colony, and he punished those who broke them severely.

The Early Years

The early years of James Towne were difficult. The settlers were constantly plagued by disease, and many died from malaria, typhoid, and dysentery. They also faced starvation, as they were unable to grow enough food to sustain themselves.

In addition to these challenges, the settlers also had to contend with the Native Americans. The Powhatan Confederacy, led by Chief Powhatan, controlled the area around James Towne. Powhatan was initially friendly to the settlers, but relations between the two groups soon soured.

Conflict with the Native Americans

In 1609, the Powhatan Confederacy attacked James Towne, killing several settlers. Smith responded by launching a series of punitive expeditions against the Native Americans. These expeditions were successful in driving the Powhatan away from James Towne, but they also led to increased tensions between the two groups.

In 1610, Powhatan's daughter, Pocahontas, was captured by the settlers. Smith used Pocahontas as a hostage to negotiate a peace treaty with Powhatan. The treaty was successful, and relations between the two groups improved.

The Growth of James Towne

After the peace treaty with the Powhatan Confederacy, James Towne began to grow and prosper. The settlers were able to establish a successful tobacco crop, and the colony's economy began to thrive.

In 1619, the Virginia Company established the House of Burgesses, the first representative assembly in North America. The House of Burgesses gave the settlers a voice in their own government.

James Towne continued to grow and prosper throughout the 17th century. In 1699, the colony's capital was moved to Williamsburg, but James Towne remained an important center of commerce and culture.

James Towne Today

James Towne is now a historic site, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Virginia. Visitors can explore the ruins of the original settlement, and they can learn about the struggles and triumphs of the early settlers.

James Towne is a reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by the early settlers of America. It is also a testament to the resilience and determination of these settlers, who established a permanent foothold in the New World.