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Period: to
Founding of Jamestown
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Granting the Charter
On April 10, 1606 the King of England granted a charter to the Virginia Company allowing them to colonize the "New World". This was the first of three charters that the King issued. This charter is also known as the "Great Charter". -
Departing England
On December 20th 1606 three ships, The Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery, left England headed toward the "New Land". Combined, the three ships were carrying 105 passengers but one died during the voyage. All of the passengers were boys or men, the first two women came to the New World in October of 1608. -
Arrived on Virginia Coast
In late April 1607 the three ships finally arrived on the coast of Virginia. Throughout the next two weeks they explored trying to find where the best place to settle would be. -
Choosing the Spot
On May 13th the ships finally chose a spot on the James River to anchor the ships because of the deep water anchorage and good defensive position. On May 14th the colonists stepped off the boats to start working on the settlement in the New World. -
Choosing the Leader
On September 10, 1608 Captain John Smith was chosen as the leader of the Jamestown Colony. He had lead the colony long before he gained the official title. He was the unlikely choice but he already had a great deal of experience leading the people through the harsh winter of 1607-1608.
