Jamestown: The First Permanent English Colony — Reading Comprehension

In 1607, a group of English settlers sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and landed in Virginia. They started a new colony called Jamestown. The settlers hoped to find gold and new opportunities. At first, life in Jamestown was very hard. The land was swampy and full of mosquitoes. Food was scarce, and many people became sick.

The leaders of the colony needed to make smart choices. Captain John Smith became one of the most important leaders. He told the settlers, "He that will not work shall not eat." This rule helped everyone work together and survive. The settlers built houses, planted crops, and tried to trade with the local Powhatan people.

The relationship with the Powhatan was sometimes friendly but also tense. Pocahontas, the daughter of Chief Powhatan, helped bring peace for a short time. She visited Jamestown and shared food. The settlers learned to grow tobacco, which became a valuable crop. Tobacco helped the colony earn money and grow strong.

Over time, more settlers arrived. Jamestown grew from a small fort to a busy town. The colony faced many challenges, but the settlers worked hard and did not give up. Their bravery and teamwork helped Jamestown become the first lasting English settlement in America.

Interesting Fact: In 1619, the first elected assembly in America, the House of Burgesses, met in Jamestown.

When was Jamestown founded?

Who was a key leader in Jamestown?

What plant helped Jamestown grow rich?

Why did settlers need to work together?

How did Pocahontas help Jamestown?

What was the effect of tobacco farming?

Jamestown is in Virginia. True or false?

What does 'scarce' mean?