Which settlement was the first permanent English colony in North America?

Which settlement was the first permanent English colony in North America?

• A. Plymouth
• B. Roanoke
• C. Jamestown
• D. Williamsburg

Answer: (C)

The main idea is explaining what makes a settlement permanent—establishing a lasting, growing community rather than a brief outpost. Jamestown, founded in 1607 by the Virginia Company, established a durable English settlement along the James River. It survived and gradually grew into a stable colony, especially after finding an economic foundation with tobacco and developing governance that kept the community going through tough early years. Roanoke had been attempted earlier but did not endure, becoming the Lost Colony. Plymouth followed later, in 1620, as another permanent settlement, and Williamsburg came even later as a colonial capital. So Jamestown is the earliest enduring English settlement in North America.

The main idea is explaining what makes a settlement permanent—establishing a lasting, growing community rather than a brief outpost. Jamestown, founded in 1607 by the Virginia Company, established a durable English settlement along the James River. It survived and gradually grew into a stable colony, especially after finding an economic foundation with tobacco and developing governance that kept the community going through tough early years. Roanoke had been attempted earlier but did not endure, becoming the Lost Colony. Plymouth followed later, in 1620, as another permanent settlement, and Williamsburg came even later as a colonial capital. So Jamestown is the earliest enduring English settlement in North America.