What was the first permanent English settlement established in North America?

Jamestown, founded in 1607, is recognized as the first permanent English settlement in North America. Established by the Virginia Company, its location near the James River provided strategic advantages for trade and defense, although the early years were marked by hardships, including conflicts with Native Americans, disease, and food shortages. The settlement eventually became a successful colony, partly due to the cultivation of tobacco, which became a cash crop and drove economic growth. The other options reflect significant but distinct historical settlements. Plymouth, for instance, was established in 1620 by the Pilgrims and is noted for its early democratic governance and Thanksgiving roots, while Roanoke, the “Lost Colony,” was an attempt at settlement in 1585 that ultimately failed. Charleston, founded in 1670, became a key commercial center but followed Jamestown as a later establishment. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the early colonial landscape of North America.