American Colonies

A history of the English colonies in North America from 1497 to 1763.

Captain John Smith arrived at Jamestown in 1607 to find settlers starving and arguing among themselves. He immediately began building houses and a blockhouse, teaching settlers to clear forty acres for crops while establishing the rule "He who would not work might not eat." Despite constant conflict with Native Americans and a devastating rat infestation that destroyed their corn crop, Smith's leadership prevented starvation during the colony's most difficult early days. His efforts transformed Jamestown from a struggling settlement into a small, stable community that would eventually become the foundation of English America.