Who was John Smith?
Q: Who was John Smith?
A: John Smith was an English soldier, explorer, and author who led the first settlements at the Virginia Colony in 1608-1609.
Q: What did he explore?
A: He explored the rivers of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay area and drew a map of the Chesapeake Bay area and New England.
Q: What importance did his books and maps have?
A: His books and maps were very important in supporting Englishmen living in the New World.
Q: What did he say about work?
A: He wrote, "Here every man may be master and owner of his own labour and land and if he has nothing but his hands, he may still grow rich." At Jamestown Smith trained the people to farm and work so they would have food to eat. He told them "he who shall not work, shall not eat."
Q: What challenges did Smith face?
A: Smith faced many challenges including harsh weather, lack of water, living in a wilderness, with people who did not want to work, and attacks from the Powhatan people.
Q: When was John Smith born?
A: John Smith was born c. January 1580.
