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Construction
The settlers came ashore and quickly set about constructing their initial fort. Within a month, the James Fort covered an acre on Jamestown Island -
Council
King James I had outlined the members of the Council to govern the settlement in the sealed orders which left London with the colonists in 1606 -
Colony
The colony was sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, a group of investors who hoped to profit from the venture. -
Arrival and First Landing
The Virginia Company of London sent an expedition to establish a settlement in the Virginia Colony in December 1606. -
Establishment
The founding of Jamestown, America’s first permanent English colony, in Virginia in 1607. -
Selection
On May 14, 1607, the colonists chose Jamestown Island for their settlement largely because the Virginia Company advised them to select a location that could be easily defended from attacks by other European states that were also establishing New World colonies -
Women and Men
The first two English women arrived at Jamestown in 1608, and more came in subsequent years. Men outnumbered women, however, for most of the 17th century. -
Women and Men
The first two English women arrived at Jamestown in 1608, and more came in subsequent years. Men outnumbered women, however, for most of the 17th century. -
John Smith
Captain John Smith became the colony’s leader in September 1608 – the fourth in a succession of council presidents – and established a “no work, no food” policy. -
Settlers
The other half were "gentlemen," men of wealth who did not have a profession, and who may have underestimated the rough work necessary to survive in the New World. -
Exploration
After the expedition arrived in what is now Virginia, sealed orders from the Virginia Company were opened. These orders named Captain John Smith as a member of the governing Council.
