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What events saved Jamestown from destruction?

The early settlers of Jamestown faced many hardships.  Their first winter (1609-1610) was a difficult one, and they faced cold, disease, and hunger.  Most of the settlers died during this time.  A drought earlier in the year 1609 had led to food shortages for the winter.  The remaining colonists decided to abandon Jamestown all together.  They were about to leave when supply ships arrived with food and other necessities from England.  If the ships had not arrived when they did, the Jamestown colony would have been completely abandoned.


Along with the fresh supplies, a new governor arrived.  Governor West was determined to revitalize the Jamestown settlement.  John Rolfe also arrived with a new type of tobacco to grow.  This tobacco became an important crop in Jamestown.  Settlers eventually expanded to areas outside of Jamestown.  Over time, more settlers arrived and the colony grew.

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