USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The water was also deep enough that the English could tie their ships at the shoreline-good parking! The site was also not inhabited by the local Powhatan Indians. For more information on why they chose Jamestown go here.

Detailed explanation-2: -Jamestown was located as close to the Atlantic Ocean as the initial colonial leaders thought was safe, rather than as far inland as ships could go, in order to balance military security with the logistics of getting back and forth to England.

Detailed explanation-3: -Led by Captain John Smith, early English settlers established a colony at Jamestown in 1607. The English chose Jamestown Island, 60 miles from the sea, because it could be defended against the Spanish, and its deep water allowed sailing ships near shore.

Detailed explanation-4: -High tide brings saline water in from the Chesapeake Bay. Even at low tide, the salt content of the water is too great for drinking. The settlers dug wells, but they never dug them deep enough nor in the proper location. As a result, their wastes contaminated much of their drinking water.

Detailed explanation-5: -In 1607, 104 English men and boys arrived in North America to start a settlement. On May 13 they picked Jamestown, Virginia for their settlement, which was named after their King, James I. The settlement became the first permanent English settlement in North America.