Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607 in what is now Virginia. It was founded by the Virginia Company as a commercial venture, aiming to find gold and other resources. The settlement faced many challenges, including harsh winters, food shortages, and conflicts with local Native American tribes. Despite these difficulties, Jamestown became a significant site in American history. The introduction of tobacco cultivation by John Rolfe in 1612 helped the colony thrive economically. Over time, it laid the groundwork for the expansion of English settlements in the New World.