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what was the first permanent english settlement in north america?

The first permanent English settlement in North America was Jamestown , founded in 1607 in what is now Virginia.

Quick Scoop

  • Jamestown was established in 1607 by the Virginia (London) Company along the James River in present-day Virginia.
  • It is considered the first permanent English settlement because, unlike earlier attempts such as Roanoke, it endured despite famine, disease, and conflict.
  • Earlier English colonies like Roanoke (the “Lost Colony”) were attempted in the 1580s but failed and were abandoned, so they are not counted as permanent settlements.

In short: when people ask “what was the first permanent English settlement in North America?”, the accepted historical answer is Jamestown, Virginia, 1607.

TL;DR: Jamestown, Virginia (founded 1607) was the first permanent English settlement in North America.

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