The Big Loop, Day 45: Jamestown (17 images)

The good news is that Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas after settlers arrived on May 14, 1607. The bad news is that they arrived during a historic drought, which may have also contributed to friction with the Powhatan Indians. So, by 1610, about 80% of those settlers were dead. from starvation, disease, and even cannibalism. Oh, and by 1619, the origin of slavery in English North America.

A flawed beginning to what would become our flawed country, to be sure. Still, it was a beginning. And the colony eventually prospered. Captain John Smith and Pocahantas famously came together there. 

The current ruins, recreations, signs, statues, displays and museums do a great job of educating visitors about that  rough beginning. I'm including these photos to give you an idea of the excellent presentation of information there.

Pocahontas