Could you have survived the more than four-and-a-half-month Voyage to the New World in 1607?
Three ships — the Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery — captained by Christopher Newport departed from London, England on Dec. 20, 1606 carrying 105 men and boys plus 39 sailors.
Could you have survived the crowded conditions below the decks, the stench of the head or chamber pots, the animal waste, unwashed bodies, the snores, the hacking coughs, the cackling and snorts, the swearing, the nightmares, the bickering and fights for 135 days? It was cold, damp and dark. Miserable doesn't begin to describe it all.
The Ocean was Full of Dangers in 1607
The ships could have been damaged by storms or sunk to the bottom of the sea! The men suffered from seasickness and fevers. One passenger died. It was always cold, damp and dark. The ships leaked, too. It was amazing that no one fell overboard on the rough sea crossing.
Due to severe storms in April, the ships were forced to take refuge at Hampton Roads, finally sailing up the James River to Jamestowne.
Did you survive the Voyage?
Check your answers to the interactive experience here.
The Starving Time
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The Virginia Indians
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Resource: "Love and Hate in Jamestown" by David A. Price
