The English colonists, arriving on May 14, 1607, choose Jamestown Island for their settlement largely because the Virginia Company has advised them to select a location that could be easily defended from ocean-going navies of the other European states that are also establishing New World colonies and are periodically at war with England, notably the Dutch Republic, France, and especially Spain.

The island fits the criteria, as it has excellent visibility up and down what is today called the James River, and it is far enough inland to minimize the potential of contact and conflict with enemy ships.

The water immediately adjacent to the land is deep enough to permit the colonists to anchor their ships yet have an easy and quick departure if necessary.

An additional benefit of the site is that the land is not occupied by the Virginia natives, most of whom in the area are affiliated with the Powhatan Confederacy.

The settlers come ashore, and quickly set about constructing their initial fort.