Why was the site of Jamestown chosen and why was it a bad choice?

Answer 1

Jamestown was chosen for its strategic location along the James River, which provided easy access to the ocean for trade and defense, and was believed to be easily defendable against potential attacks. However, it was a poor choice due to its swampy, low-lying terrain, which led to issues with brackish water and disease, particularly malaria. Additionally, the lack of fertile soil hampered agricultural development, making it difficult for the settlers to sustain themselves. These factors contributed to significant hardships and high mortality rates in the early years of the settlement.