John Smith established the first permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown, Virginia. Smith was also involved with the Powhatan Confederacy chief's daughter, Pocahontas. He lead the colonization of the what was then referred to as the "New World," or non-Eurasian/non-African parts of the globe.
Fast Facts:
- Born: 1580 in Willoughby, England
- Educated: King Edward VI Grammar School
- Served as a mercenary in the army of King Henry IV of France
- 1600 promoted to Captain in the Army
- On the voyage to the New World, Smith was ordered to be executed by the ship's captain, but later pardon
- 1614 named the Massachusetts Bay region "New England"
- Never married
- John Smith lead the voyage of the Chesapeake Bay
- Died on June 21, 1631
Key Dates
- 1850: Born in Willoughby to farmer parents
- 1596: Smith's father dies and he leaves home to set off to sea
- 1600: Joins the French army
- 1606: Becomes involved in the planning of the colonization of Virginia with the Virginia Company of London
- 1609: Seriously wounded in a battle between the Powhatans and the Virginia colonists, he returned to England
- 1614: Captured by French pirates on his voyage back to North America
Captain John Smith Timeline
1580: Born in in Willoughby, England
1600: Smith joined Austrian forces to fight the Turks in the "Long War."
1602: Smith was wounded in battle, captured and sold as a slave to a Turk
1604-05: Escaped slavery and returned to England
1607: Smith was one of seven council members who were to govern the Virginia colony
1607: Ambushed by Indians, Smith taken back to their powerful chief, Chief Powhatan
1614: Smith sails the coasts of Maine and Massachusetts Bay, and named the region New England
June 21,1631: Died at the age of 51
Captain John Smith Books and Merchandise
Amazon.com: Books about Captain John
Barnes and Noble: Books about Captain John Smith
Powell's Books: Books about Captain John Smith
Google Book Search: Books about Captain John Smith
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