National Park Service. "Map showing terrain of Jamestown Island (as it appeared in the middle of the 20th century)." 1 March 2014. Extracted from "Archeology Evidence at Jamestown" by the National Park Service, available at the Internet Archive. Page X. Base map by National Park Service. Compass rose from File:Maps template-en.svg. Map template by Eric Gaba (Sting - fr:Sting), derivative work by bamse, coloration, clean-up, legend, and arrangement by Morgan Riley.
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A Second Ship and Army of Rats
In September 1608, the responsibility of leading the Jamestown colony was bestowed upon John Smith. This marked a significant turning point for the struggling settlement. The month of October brought hope as a second supply ship arrived, carrying seventy new settlers. With this influx of people, the population of Jamestown rose to 120 individuals.
These newcomers were skilled workers, entrusted with the task of producing various items for profit. Their expertise lay in crafting glass, pitch, soap, ashes, and other essential commodities. The Virginia Company officials emphasized the need for the colonists to spend more time searching for gold, as they believed it would bring them substantial wealth.
By 1609, significant progress had been made in Jamestown. The settlers had cleared a massive 40-acre plot of land, dug a well to secure a vital water source, and constructed 20 cabins to provide shelter. However, amidst all these demanding endeavors, the settlers neglected to protect their grain supply adequately.
Unbeknownst to them, a constant threat lurked within their midst. Rats, swarming in great numbers, targeted the stored grain and devoured almost the entire cord. The loss was devastating, and the settlers found themselves facing a dire situation. It was evident that immediate action was necessary to ensure their survival.
In a desperate bid to secure provisions, John Smith made the difficult decision to send some settlers to live with the local Native American tribes. This arrangement allowed the colonists to acquire food and other necessary resources from their indigenous neighbors. By forming alliances and learning from the Native Americans, the settlers were able to navigate the challenges of their new environment.
The arrival of the second supply ship and the subsequent increase in population initially brought optimism to Jamestown. However, the setback caused by the rats' destruction of the grain supply taught the colonists a valuable lesson about the importance of protecting their resources. This experience forced them to adapt and seek alternative means of sustenance, ultimately leading to their survival in the harsh and unfamiliar environment.
As the colony continued to face numerous trials and tribulations, the resilience and resourcefulness of the settlers would be tested time and time again. The story of Jamestown serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those early pioneers, who persevered against all odds to establish the foundations of what would eventually become the United States of America.
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