April 26 in American History

April 26, 1607 — English colonists reach Virginia

The ships carrying the Jamestown settlers made landfall at Cape Henry, Virginia, and soon founded Jamestown — the first permanent English settlement in America. Half would die the first year, and the colony nearly failed more than once, but it endured. The English-speaking America that would become the United States started here, in hardship.

Common Questions

What happened on April 26 in American history?

In 1607: English colonists reach Virginia. The ships carrying the Jamestown settlers made landfall at Cape Henry, Virginia, and soon founded Jamestown — the first permanent English settlement in America.

Why is April 26 significant?

The ships carrying the Jamestown settlers made landfall at Cape Henry, Virginia, and soon founded Jamestown — the first permanent English settlement in America. Half would die the first year, and the colony nearly failed more than once, but it endured. The English-speaking America that would become the United States started here, in hardship.

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