What hardships did the Jamestown settlers face?

In May 1607, 104 settlers established a permanent colony at Jamestown. Life for these settlers was very hard and, by the end of the first year, only 38 of these men and women survived. Here are some of the hardships they faced:

• The Jamestown settlers faced food shortages because they spent their early days searching for gold instead of farming.


• The water around Jamestown was brackish and not suitable for drinking. It was also a breeding ground for mosquitoes, causing serious illness among the settlers, especially malaria, dysentery and typhoid.


• Many members of the local native tribe, the Powhatans, were sceptical and wary of the settlers. Though the settlers were able to establish trade with the natives, relations between the two were not always good. According to Captain John Smith, some natives were warm and hospitable while other discharged arrows. 


• The settlers faced cold and harsh winters, especially in their first year.