English settlers arrived on the James River in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, in 1607 to establish the first permanent English settlement. However, they faced numerous challenges that threatened their survival. Disease, starvation/dehydration, and attacks were the primary causes of death. The settlers struggled with a lack of clean water as most of the available supply was brackish and contaminated by their own actions. Additionally, the unfamiliar American land posed difficulties for unskilled workers.
Indians were likely crossing paths with the settlers at Jamestown due to its proximity to water. However, the settlers may have underestimated the conditions at Jamestown. The water was dirty, salty, and limited due to drought, causing death in multiple ways. The waste from the colonists continued to accumulate, and although they attempted to dig wells for clean water, the drought and salt intrusion made finding fresh water a challenge.
The poor quality of water in Jamestown was a significant threat, leading to the deaths of many colonists from disease, sickness, and dehydration. The unhygienic water contained bacteria that often caused illness among the colonists. Dehydration resulted from both the brackish nature of the water, which caused sodium retention in their bodies, and the scarcity of drinkable water due to drought. Moreover, the unsuitability of brackish water for agriculture led to famine. Therefore, if you required someone to work for you, would you choose an unskilled 7-year-old girl for the job?
The secondary factor contributing to Jamestown’s struggle was the presence of unskilled workers. The stark contrast between American and European conditions presented a significant challenge. The imbalance of gentlemen versus laborers meant that gentlemen were not accustomed to physical labor. Furthermore, as stated in Document D, the colonists heavily relied on Native Americans for vital provisions such as corn and other native foods. In fact, in 1609, Francis West coerced them into trade. The agricultural difficulties posed by drought and infertile soil in Jamestown made farming more challenging compared to England. Ultimately, the lack of necessary skills resulted in starvation, underscoring the limited food supply dependent on water.
In my opinion, the strained relationship with the Powhatan Indians resulted in numerous casualties. When the Powhatan’s realized that the settlers were planning to stay longer than originally assumed, they became determined to halt their presence. The aggressive actions of Francis West and his men, known as the “Crewell dealinge,” likely contributed to triggering further attacks. Additionally, the scarcity of water may have led to conflicts between the two groups as they competed for this vital resource. It is my belief that Document E holds the utmost significance as evidence. This document demonstrates the frequency of attacks and the number of colonists killed. Gradually, the attacks became more severe, resulting in the death of approximately half of the colonists each time.
Despite the beheading of individuals, early Jamestown did not have a smooth conclusion, as numerous deaths and environmental challenges did not bring about its demise. The contaminated water posed a significant threat to the entire population by causing diseases and illnesses. Moreover, the colonists’ lack of essential skills forced them to depend on trading, provided they were fortunate enough to avoid attacks. The strained relationship with the neighboring Powhatan tribe also contributed to the high mortality rate. Ultimately, it can be concluded that the colonists chose an unfavorable location (with many nearby Indians and poor environmental conditions) during an unfavorable time (amidst a drought).
