Which company established Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas, in 1607?

The Virginia Company of London established Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas, in 1607.

King James I chartered the Virginia Company in 1606 to colonize and develop parts of the Atlantic coast. The company’s London branch organized the expedition that sailed with the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. The settlers selected Jamestown Island on the James River and established the settlement on May 14, 1607, under the Old Style calendar then used in England.

The settlement was founded as a commercial venture, not initially as a royal colony. Investors hoped to find valuable resources and create profitable trade. Early conditions were difficult because of disease, poor water, conflict, hunger, and limited supplies. Tobacco cultivation later helped Virginia become economically viable.

Jamestown should not be confused with Plymouth, founded by the Pilgrims in 1620. Jamestown was earlier and was organized by the Virginia Company of London; Plymouth was associated with the separate Plymouth Company and the Mayflower settlers.