The establishment of James Fort, which would later become known as Jamestown, Virginia, marked a significant milestone in English colonization efforts in North America. Funded by the Virginia Company of London, a joint-stock company seeking profit from the New World, the settlers arrived in the Chesapeake Bay area seeking economic opportunities and access to resources such as gold and silver. On May 14, 1607, they officially founded the settlement on the banks of the James River, naming their fort after King James I of England. The settlement faced immediate challenges, including food shortages, diseases, and conflicts with the indigenous Powhatan Confederacy, which included tribes that inhabited the region.

James Fort served not only as a fortification against possible attacks but also as a base for exploration and trade. The site was chosen for its strategic position; however, its swampy surroundings contributed to a high incidence of malaria and other diseases. The initial group of colonists, numbering about 104, included gentlemen, soldiers, and craftsmen, but many lacked practical survival skills. The leadership of individuals such as Captain John Smith was crucial in navigating the early difficulties. Smith forged alliances with local tribes and implemented strict discipline, which helped to sustain the settlement during its precarious early months.

The hardships endured at Jamestown were significant, including the infamous 'starving time' during the winter of 1609-1610, when food shortages led to drastic measures for survival. Despite these challenges, Jamestown persisted and eventually grew, supported by tobacco cultivation as a cash crop that would become the mainstay of the Virginian economy. The success of Jamestown paved the way for the establishment of more English settlements and the expansion of colonial America in the 17th century.