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2024-09-22 08:21:10

Jamestown

Early English settlement in Virginia
Early English settlement in Virginia

Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the first permanent English settlement in North America. It faced challenges from Native Americans and disease.

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1585-07-27
Settlers in Roanoke

English ships carrying 75 settlers land on Roanoke Island, off the coast of modern-day North Carolina, one year after its selection by Sir Walter Raleigh as the site for an English settlement. The first group of colonists will abandon the settlement after less than a year.

1587-07-22
No Survivors at Roanoke

A group of 121 English settlers led by John White lands at Roanoke. They find no evidence of Grenville's 1586 party. White will return to England for supplies in August. He will be unable to return to Roanoke until 1590, at which time he will find the settlement abandoned.

1606-12-06
Departure of English ships to Virginia

On December 6, 1606, the journey to Virginia began with three ships: the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery. This marked the start of the English colonization of North America.

1606-12-19
Settlers Set Sail for Virginia

104 settlers depart from London on three ships, the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery, led by Captains Christopher Newport, Bartholomew Gosnold, and John Ratcliffe.

1607-02-13
Captain John Smith Arrested

While en route to Virginia, Captain John Smith is arrested on accusations of planning mutiny.

1607-03-28
Intervention to Save Captain John Smith

In the West Indies, Captain Newport plans to execute Smith for mutiny, but Captain Gosnold and Reverend Robert Hunt intervene, saving Smith's life.

1607-04-26
First Landing at Jamestown

On April 26, 1607, the expedition led by the London Company arrived at their chosen settlement spot in Virginia, naming the Virginia capes after the sons of their king. They set up a cross at Cape Henry and made a dedication to reach the people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

1607-05-13
Founding of Jamestown settlement

On May 13, 1607, 104 English men and boys arrived in North America and established the Jamestown settlement in Virginia. It was named after King James I and became the first permanent English settlement in the region.

1607-05-14
Establishment of Jamestown

On May 14, 1607, 104 male settlers landed at the site they named 'James Cittie' and established the first permanent English settlement in North America.

1607-05-26
Attack on Jamestown by Indians

On May 26, 1607, 200 armed Indians attacked Jamestown, resulting in the death of 2 settlers and wounding 11 others.

1607-06-08
Harassment of Settlers by Indians

On June 8, 1607, Indians continued to harass the settlers at Jamestown, with Gabriel Archer noting a daring incident where some Indians hid under the settlers' defenses.

1607-06-10
Captain John Smith sworn in as a member of the colony's governing council

Captain John Smith is officially sworn in as a member of the colony's governing council.

1607-06-15
Completion of James Fort

By June 15, 1607, James Fort in Jamestown was completed in a triangle shape with three bulwarks equipped with artillery. Settlers also began planting crops in two areas.

1607-06-21
First Anglican Communion Service at Jamestown

The Reverend Robert Hunt conducted the first Anglican communion service at Jamestown on June 21, 1607.

1607-06-22
Captain Newport sails back to England from Jamestown

On June 22, 1607, Captain Newport departed Jamestown for England aboard the Susan Constant and the Godspeed, carrying mineral samples that the colonists hoped would reveal the presence of gold in Virginia.

1607-08-22
Death of Captain Bartholomew Gosnold

Captain Bartholomew Gosnold passed away on August 22, 1607, and was buried just outside James Fort in Jamestown. His grave was rediscovered by archaeologists almost 400 years later.

1607-09-10
Deposition of Council President Edward Maria Wingfield

In September 10, 1607, Council President Edward Maria Wingfield was deposed and replaced by John Ratcliffe in the Jamestown settlement.

1607-12-29
John Smith brought before Chief Powhatan

On December 29, 1607, John Smith is brought before Chief Powhatan at Werowocomoco, the Indian capital, where he claims that Pocahontas, the chief's daughter, saves his life.

1608-01-02
First Supply Mission Arrives at Jamestown

Insufficient provisions and over 70 new colonists arrived at Jamestown on January 2, 1608, as part of the first supply mission. The fort burned down shortly after their arrival, leading to additional council members being appointed.

1608-01-07
Fire Damages James Fort in Jamestown

A severe fire damages James Fort in Jamestown, consuming all the buildings of the fort and the storehouse of ammunition and provisions. Only three buildings are left standing. The settlers immediately start rebuilding the fort, including the construction of a church.

1608-04-10
The Reverend Robert Hunt dies and is buried in the chancel of the newly-constructed church

The Reverend Robert Hunt, Jamestown’s first Anglican minister, dies and is buried in the chancel of the newly-constructed church.

1608-06-02
Captain Nelson returns to England with Capt. Smith’s written account Virginia

In June 2, 1608, Captain Nelson returned to England carrying Captain Smith's written account of Virginia.

1608-09-10
Chief Powhatan Refuses English Subordination

Captain Newport presents Chief Powhatan with a ceremonial crown symbolizing subordination to the English king, but Powhatan refuses to come to Jamestown and kneel during the ceremony, leading to deteriorating relations between the English and the Powhatan.

1608-10-01
Second Supply Mission Arrives at Jamestown

On October 1, 1608, 70 additional settlers, including the first two women known to have come to the Jamestown Colony, arrived aboard the Mary and Margaret with the second supply mission. Skilled craftsmen and industry specialists from various nationalities were also included in this group.

1609-05-23
Pocahontas Rescues Captain John Smith

In May 1609, Captain John Smith departed Jamestown to obtain food but was captured by the Pamunkey chief Powhatan. He was famously rescued by the Native American princess Pocahontas.

1610-04-01
Ambush at Orapax

A party of colonists led by Captain Ratcliffe is invited to Orapax by Chief Powhatan, promising them corn for the starving settlers. However, they are ambushed and killed instead.

1610-05-23
Survivors of Sea Venture arrive at Jamestown

Survivors of the shipwreck of Sea Venture arrived at Jamestown to find the colony in ruins and practically abandoned. They brought few supplies and food, leading to a challenging situation.

1610-05-24
Implementation of Martial Law by Sir Thomas Gates

Sir Thomas Gates implements martial law in Jamestown and introduces strict codes of behavior and severe punishments for transgressions.

1610-06-07
Decision to abandon Jamestown

Lt. Governor Thomas Gates decides to abandon Jamestown due to the dire conditions. The survivors pack onto ships to return to England, leaving behind a lot of material.

1610-06-08
Meeting of Gates's convoy and Governor Thomas West

Lt. Governor Thomas Gates's convoy coming down the James River meets the resupply led by Governor Thomas West, Lord De La Warr, who demands a return to Jamestown.

1610-06-10
Lord De La Warr Orders Reestablishment of James Fort

Lord De La Warr arrives at Jamestown in June 1610 and instructs the settlers to clean up and rebuild James Fort. The church is repaired and new buildings are constructed.

1610-07-09
Sir Thomas Gates Attacks Kecoughtan in Retaliation

In July 1610, after a settler is killed by Virginia Indians near Point Comfort, Sir Thomas Gates and his forces retaliate by attacking the town of Kecoughtan. They kill some inhabitants and drive off the rest.

1610-08-09
English attack on Paspahegh village

English forces launch a major assault on the Paspahegh village, resulting in the execution of the queen and her children, as well as the destruction of houses and crops.

1611-03-28
John Rolfe experiments with tobacco seeds

John Rolfe begins experimenting with growing tobacco seeds, specifically Nicotiana tabacum from Bermuda, as opposed to the native Virginia tobacco Nicotiana rustica.

1611-08-02
Capture of Spanish expedition members

English at Point Comfort capture three men from a Spanish expedition and hold them prisoner in Virginia for several years. The Spanish decide against attacking the Virginia colony.

1612-04-22
Renewal of Virginia Company Charter

King James I renews the charter for the Virginia Company, granting it more self-governance. He also authorizes lotteries to raise funds for the venture and expands the colony's boundaries to include Bermuda.

1613-04
Kidnapping of Pocahontas

In April 1613, Pocahontas, Chief Powhatan's daughter, is kidnapped by Captain Samuel Argall and brought to Jamestown for ransom. This event leads to tensions between the English and Powhatan tribe.

1614-04-05
Sir Thomas Dale leads retaliation against Powhatan territory

Chief Powhatan did not respond to the demand for Pocahontas's ransom, leading Sir Thomas Dale to lead 150 men into Powhatan territory. They were attacked, prompting them to burn houses and kill several men.

1615-01-30
Birth of Thomas Rolfe

Pocahontas gives birth to a son named Thomas Rolfe on January 30, 1615.

1616-05
Rolfe, Pocahontas, and Virginia Indians travel to England

In May 1616, John Rolfe, Pocahontas, their son, and other Virginia Indians travel to England with Sir Thomas Dale to generate publicity for the Virginia Company. George Yeardley becomes deputy governor in Dale's absence.

1616-06
Virginia Company institutes the 'headright' system

In June 1616, the Virginia Company established the 'headright' system, granting 50 acres of land to individuals who paid their fare to Virginia and an additional 50 acres for each person they brought with them. This policy incentivized further settlement and laid the groundwork for a system that would later support legal slavery.

1617-03-17
Death of Pocahontas

Pocahontas passed away from an illness in Gravesend on March 17, 1617, while preparing to return to Virginia. Her death left a significant impact on both English and Virginia Indian heritage.

1617-05-15
Samuel Argall becomes Deputy Governor of Jamestown

Samuel Argall returns to Jamestown as the new deputy governor.

1618
Construction of New Church at Jamestown

Governor Samuel Argall orders the construction of a new wooden church just east of the first church building at Jamestown, where Pocahontas and Rolfe were married. The new church is to be 50 foot long and twenty foot broad, built on a foundation of cobblestones and capped by a wall one brick thick.

1619-04-18
Arrival of Governor Sir George Yeardley at Jamestown

Sir George Yeardley, the new governor of the colony, arrives at Jamestown, marking a significant event in the governance of the settlement.

1619-04-29
House of Burgesses

Virginia's new governor, George Yeardley, introduces reforms in Jamestown, including the establishment of the first representative assembly in North America known as the House of Burgesses, consisting of 22 delegates or 'burgesses.'

1619-07-21
Labor Strike in Jamestown

Slovak and Polish artisans conducted the first labor strike in American history on June 30, 1619, demanding democratic rights. They were granted equal voting rights on July 21, 1619, leading to the end of the strike.

1619-07-30
First Meeting of the General Assembly at Jamestown

On July 30, 1619, the General Assembly meets for the first time in the Jamestown church. The assembly passes its first law, requiring tobacco to be sold for at least three shillings per pound.

1619-11-03
Virginia Company Decides to Send Women to Jamestown

On November 3, 1619, due to concerns about the gender imbalance in English Virginia, the Virginia Company decides to send a group of young and unmarried women to marry male settlers and help establish families in the colony.

1620-05-27
Recruitment of 90 Young Women by Virginia Company

In May 1620, 90 young women recruited by the Virginia Company arrived in Virginia to marry planters. The husbands were expected to reimburse the company for their passage and expenses, offering better financial opportunities and legal freedom in Virginia.

1621
Governor Sir George Yeardley Resigns

In 1621, Governor Sir George Yeardley resigned and was replaced by Sir Francis Wyatt.

1622-03-22
Powhatan Indian attack on colonists

On March 22, 1622, a surprise Powhatan Indian attack planned by Opechancanough resulted in the killing of 347 colonists along the James River. This attack triggered a decade-long war. The residents of James Fort were warned at the last minute and were spared.

1623-05
Second Starving Time, Disease, and Indian Attacks

During the second 'starving time' in May 1623, hundreds of settlers were killed by disease and Indian attacks in Jamestown.

1623-09
Poisoned Toast at Peace Negotiations

In September 1623, Captain William Tucker concludes peace negotiations with a Powhatan village by proposing a toast with a drink laced with poison, resulting in the death of 200 Powhatans and the killing of another 50.

1624-05-24
Virginia Company Loses Charter

On May 24, 1624, the Virginia Company loses its charter due to mismanagement, leading to Virginia becoming a royal colony.

1625-03-27
Death of King James and Virginians' General Assembly

On March 27, 1625, King James dies, but his son and successor, Charles I, allows Virginians to keep their General Assembly.

1635
Deposition of Governor Sir John Harvey

In 1635, the Council deposed Governor Sir John Harvey in the Virginia Colony, reflecting political instability and power struggles within the colonial leadership.

1640
John Punch Declared a Slave

John Punch, an African indentured servant, was sentenced to lifelong servitude in 1640 after attempting to escape. This marked the official institution of slavery in Jamestown and the future United States.

1644-04-18
Third Anglo-Powhatan War

Opechancanough launched coordinated attacks in 1644, resulting in the death of almost 500 colonists.

1646-10
Native American Treaty Negotiated by Governor William Berkeley

Governor William Berkeley negotiates a treaty with neighboring tribes, including the Pamunkeys, reducing them to tributary status. The Native Americans are restricted to frontier lands and their choice of leaders must be approved by Berkeley.

1676-06-23
Nathaniel Bacon Elected to House of Burgesses

Nathaniel Bacon arrives in Jamestown with an armed guard, gets arrested by Governor William Berkeley, and later forced to confess before being allowed to leave the town and return to his farm.

1676-08-10
Bacon's Rebellion Begins

Nathaniel Bacon returns to Jamestown with 500 followers, demands a commission from Governor Berkeley to fight Native Americans, but the commission is revoked, leading to Bacon being declared a traitor.

1676-09-18
Governor Berkeley Flees Jamestown

After threats from Nathaniel Bacon, Governor Berkeley flees Jamestown, and Bacon gains support from wealthier planters at the Middle Plantation.

1676-10-26
Bacon's Victory at Jamestown

Nathaniel Bacon marches on Jamestown, defeats forces loyal to Governor Berkeley, and sets fire to the settlement.

1677-07
Death of Governor Berkeley

After hanged William Drummond and other leaders of the rebellion, Governor Berkeley was recalled to England by King Charles II. He returned to London where he passed away in July 1677.

1698-10-20
Burning of the Statehouse in Jamestown

The statehouse in Jamestown burned for the fourth time, leading to the decision to permanently move the capital to Middle Plantation, which was later renamed Williamsburg.

1699
Relocation of Government to Williamsburg

In 1699, the government and capital were moved from Jamestown to Middle Plantation, which was later renamed Williamsburg. This marked the shift of the political center in Virginia.

1807
Jamestown's Bicentennial Celebration

Jamestown celebrated its bicentennial in 1807.

1831
Purchase of Jamestown by David Bullock

In 1831, David Bullock bought Jamestown from the Travis and Ambler families.

1857
250th Anniversary Celebration of Jamestown

In 1857, a 250th-anniversary celebration was held for Jamestown, which was then owned by William Allen.

1892
Jamestown Island purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Barney

In 1892, Jamestown Island was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Barney.

1893
Jamestown Churchyard granted to APVA

In 1893, the Jamestown churchyard was granted to the preservation organization APVA (Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities).

1901
Archeology of Statehouse Complex by Samuel Yonge

In 1901, Samuel Yonge conducted archeological excavations of the statehouse complex and supervised the construction of a seawall near Jamestown church.

1907
Jamestown Exposition in Norfolk, Virginia

In 1907, the Jamestown Exposition took place in nearby Norfolk, Virginia. A Tercentenary monument and Memorial Church were constructed on Jamestown Island.

1934
Jamestown included in Colonial National Historical Park

In 1934, Jamestown became part of the Colonial National Historical Park, which aimed to preserve and commemorate the historical significance of the area.

1957
New Discoveries at Jamestown

The publication 'New Discoveries at Jamestown' in 1957 by John L. Cotter and J. Paul Hudson highlighted significant archaeological findings at the Jamestown site. These discoveries contributed to a better understanding of the early colonial period in America.

1994
Jamestown Rediscovery Project by APVA

In 1994, the APVA launched the Jamestown Rediscovery project, focusing on excavating and studying the 1607 James Fort, uncovering valuable insights into the early settlement.

2003
Publication of 'Love and Hate in Jamestown'

The book 'Love and Hate in Jamestown: John Smith, Pocahontas, and the Start of a New Nation' by David A. Price was published in 2003.

2004
Publication of 'Jamestown Rediscovery 1994-2004'

The book 'Jamestown Rediscovery 1994-2004' by William M. Kelso and Beverly Straube was published in 2004.

2007
Jamestown Quatercentennial

The Jamestown Quatercentennial in 2007 commemorated the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, highlighting its enduring historical significance.

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Jamestown
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