About the James River History “Not large, as American rivers flow, the James, nevertheless, wears the crown of historic distinction over them all. It may rightly claim the proud title King of American Rivers.”    -W.H.T. Squires, 1875-1948 The history of the James River is one that has shaped the entire Nation of America. Beginning with the native Powhatan, Monacan, and Iroquois peoples whose survival depended on the River, its waters and shores have watched America’s growth for thousands of years. On April 26, 1607, the first English settlers landed at Cape Henry. From then until May 12th, some of the settlers explored the James River upstream until the Appomattox River looking for the best spot to settle. After some debate over different sites, they finally decided on an area surrounded on three sides by water, and named it “James Towne” to honor the King of England. On May 14th, the settlers stepped foot on the land that is now Jamestown, and modern day America was born. Check out these important American facts and events that happened within the James River watershed: jamestimeline.pdf
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