It was downhill from there, however. Carrying 104 settlers between them, they arrived in May 1607, finding marches and mosquitoes. One year later, just 38 remained alive. More soon arrived from England – bolstering numbers to 500 – but when the settlement was besieged by Native Americans in 1609, a great starvation took hold, and by the time it was all over, just 60 settlers were left.
Of course, eventually, their fortunes changed – and just 173 years later, the descendants of these settlers were winning their independence from a country that hadn’t lost a war for 700 years. Just like the book, my voyage of discovery was a whirlwind tour through one of the most turbulent but fascinating periods of America’s history – and now, when I scan the long-loved words of this familiar friend, my mind will fill with images of their real-world inspiration.
Essentials
Jane Archer was a guest of American Cruise Lines and Fred Holidays.
American Cruise Lines has the 10-night American Revolution cruise, round-trip from Washington DC, calling at Annapolis, St Michaels, Cambridge, Norfolk and Yorktown.
Fred Holidays (0800 021 3172) is ACL’s preferred partner in the UK, and has prices from £6,299pp (aboard the traditional American Constitution, which holds 170 passengers) and £7,299pp (aboard American Glory, a 100-passenger catamaran), including flights, transfers, one-night pre-cruise in Washington, all meals, drinks, tips and selected excursions.