Christopher Columbus never reached the shores of the North American Continent, but European explorers learned three things from him: there was someplace to go, there was a way to get there, and most importantly, there was a way to get back. Thus began the European exploration of what they referred to as the “New World.”

This timeline details important events in the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in America – Jamestown, Virginia.

Explore the Jamestown Timeline!