Jamestown

   In 1606, King James I of England gave The Virginia Company of London a charter granting permission to colonize Virginia.  The Virginia Company of London was a group of wealthy businesspeople who hoped that gold would be found in Virginia.  They expected to get rich on the profits from the wealth of the new colony.

    On a cold December day, three ships--the Discovery, the Godspeed, and the Susan Constant--set sail from London to Virginia.  One hundred four men and boys were on board.  Many were English gentlemen searching for riches.  Leading the group was Captain Christopher Newport.  Also on board was John Smith--an explorer, soldier, and writer

    On April 26, 1607, the ships landed at the southern shore of the Chesapeake Bay.  The settlers named this place Cape Henry.  The adventurers did not settle there.  Instead, they decided to explore more of the Chesapeake.  Their explorations led them to the mouth of a wide river.  To honor King James, they named it the James River. As they sailed up the James River they reached a stretch of land where the water was deep enough to anchor the boats.  They named their new home Jamestown, also in honor of the king.  It became the first permanent English settlement in North America.

    Jamestown was located on a narrow peninsula bordered by the James River.  The leaders chose this site because the water near the shore was deep enough for ships to dock.  They also believed the site had plenty of fresh water and could be defended from attack by Indians in the region and by the Spanish.   

    Did this colony survive to become the first permanent English settlement in North America?  Let's do a little research to find out.  Print this activity sheet and let's go on an internet Scavenger Hunt.  You will find the answers about the History of Jamestown here.