-
Period: Jan 1, 1580 to
Jhon Smith life
-
Jan 29, 1580
Birth
He was born in Willoughby, England.
He was an English adventurer and soldier, and one of the founders of the Jamestown, Virginia.
He started as the son of an English farmer, who was apprenticed to a shopkeeper at age 15. He wanted none of it, and may have tried to join an expedition with Sir Francis Drake, but John’s father did not approve. Mr. Smith died soon after, however, and his 16-year-old son was away as quickly as possible. -
Plans to colonise Virginia
The expedition set sail in three small ships, the Discovery, the Susan Constant and the Godspeed. During the voyage, Smith was charged with mutiny, and Captain Christopher Newport (in charge of the three ships) had planned to execute him. Fortunately for Smith, the Virginia Company designated him to be one of the leaders of the new colony -
Encounter with Pocahontas' tribe
Smith was captured and taken to meet the chief of the Powhatans at Werowocomoco, the main village of the Powhatan Confederacy.
They decided to kill him. Pocahontas, the daughter of the chief, saved his life.
The disney film was inspired on this event -
Smith's explorations of Chesapeake Bay
In the summer of 1608, Smith left Jamestown to explore the Chesapeake Bay region and search for food.
In his absence, Smith left his friend Matthew Scrivener, a young gentleman adventurer from Sibton, Suffolk, who was related by marriage to the Wingfield family, as governor in his place. -
Smith as president.
Scrivener was not good at leading the people.
Smith was elected president of the local council -
The first Virginia's map
This map has the Indians observations that Smith made.
Jhon had drawn himself -
His death
He was denied further opportunities to return to America due to his independent nature and spent the rest of his life writing his memoirs and advice until his death in 1631 at age 51.
