Christopher Columbus: Many Adventures!

In today's post we will be learning about the time 1600-1650 and how England made colonies or settlements in America! Let us dive in!

We have all heard about Jamestown, but do we know how Jamestown came to be? In 1606 King James the first granted some land to a company called Virginia Company. According to the traditional story of early Jamestown the early settlers are portrayed as ill-suited for the task of making Jamestown into what it has become. But 20 years of archaeological research suggests that Captain Bartholomew Gosnold and many others such as, Craftsman, Artisans, and laborers made much effort to build a successful colony. The Virginia Company, remember them? Great! Well, they tried to intensify focus on making money. With the first supply to Jamestown. But unfortunately, disease and famine, not to mention the attacks from the Powhatan Indians that tremendously decreased the population of Jamestown. Attacks on Jamestown were common. But so was attacks on the Powhatan tribe. These attacks included kidnappings and raids. what followed was Jamestown darkest hour nicknamed the starving time in the winter of 1609 to 1610.during 1612 James Rolf helped in the prosperity for Jamestown. Growing and selling tobacco. This was a long-awaited cash income that the Virginia company had been waiting for. in 1614 Pocahontas was married to John Rolfe following this monumental marriage Jamestown had peace… for a few years. In 1622 the Powhatan attacked Jamestown killing over 300 people. Resulting in England sending more weapons, supplies, and men. Jamestown was England’s first permanent settlement. Which laid the foundations of modern America’s diverse society.

Let us now talk about how Plymouth was established in 1620. this colony has a quite different story than Jamestown. You see Jamestown was founded by a company station in London. Plymouth was founded by settlers on the Mayflower. You might have heard of” Plymouth Rock”. Following docking in Plymouth some pilgrims stay on the boat in March they all began to move onto the land permanently. unfortunately, more than half of the settlers died in the first winter soon after they arrived, the pilgrims were introduced to, a native named Squanto, who would become a member of the colony Squanto acted as an interpreter because he knew the white man’s language. in the fall of1621 the pilgrims shared a meal with the Indians, which we now know as Thanksgiving. Plymouth and the natives lived peacefully for 60 years, the Indians giving the pilgrims animal skins, hides, food, knowledge and so much for the pilgrims to thrive. until things escalated resulting in king Phillips war also known as the first Indian war. The pilgrims executed three of the Wampanoag people. This war lasted over 2 years. To make money and pay off their debt the pilgrims grew corn and traded it to the Indians for fur. The fur was then shipped to England, to be sold to hatters. The hatters then would shave the wool off the pelt and make hats using the wool. Plymouth has reached a prominent place in American history. Due to the pilgrims having the first thanksgiving at Plymouth and its settlers making the mayflower compact.