James Fort was the first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607 in what is now Virginia. It was built by the Virginia Company and served as a defensive structure against potential attacks from Native Americans and rival European powers. The fort was named after King James I of England and played a crucial role in the early years of the English colonization of America. The fort was constructed using wooden palisades and included several buildings for housing, storage, and defense. Over time, it became a center for trade and interaction between the English settlers and the local Powhatan Confederacy. Although the original fort no longer exists, its historical significance remains a key part of American colonial history.