Discovery (1602 ship) facts for kids
Discovery on stained glass window in St Sepulchre-without-Newgate.
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Quick facts for kids History |
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| Name | Discovery's Son |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 20 tons |
| Length | 38 ft (12 m) on deck |
| Propulsion | Sails |
Discovery (also called Discoverie) was a small ship from the early 1600s. It was a "fly-boat" that weighed about 20 tons. The ship was 38-foot (12 m) long. Discovery belonged to the British East India Company.
This ship was one of three that sailed to the New World in 1606–1607. The other two ships were the Susan Constant and the Godspeed. This important journey led to the founding of Jamestown. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the Colony of Virginia.
Contents
History of the Discovery Ship
Early Explorations
In 1602, an explorer named George Weymouth sailed Discovery. He explored an area that would later be known as Hudson Strait. Weymouth traveled about 300 nautical miles (560 km) into the strait. His trip aimed to find the Northwest Passage. This was a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The East India Company and the Muscovy Company helped pay for his expedition.
Voyage to Jamestown
In 1607, Discovery was the smallest of three ships that sailed to the New World. Captain John Ratcliffe was the captain of Discovery. Captain Christopher Newport led the entire group of ships. Their journey led to the founding of Jamestown. This new settlement was in the Colony of Virginia.
A total of 21 passengers were on Discovery for this first trip. When Captain Newport went back to London, England, he left Discovery behind. The colonists in Jamestown then used the ship.
Exploring Chesapeake Bay
In the summer of 1608, Captain John Smith used Discovery. He left Jamestown to explore the Chesapeake Bay area. He was looking for much-needed food supplies. Captain Smith traveled an estimated 3,000 miles (4,800 km) on this trip. He created a map that was very helpful to explorers for over 100 years.
Today, these explorations are remembered by the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. This trail was created in 2006.
Later Expeditions and Challenges
In 1610, Admiral Sir George Somers suggested a trip to Bermuda. He planned to go on his ship, Patience. Captain Samuel Argall would join him on Discovery. Their goal was to gather more supplies for Jamestown. However, a fog separated the ships. Discovery was blown north towards Newfoundland. Captain Argall tried fishing before returning.
Discovery then took part in six more trips. These trips were all in search of the Northwest Passage. During a 1610–1611 expedition in the Canadian Arctic, the crew of Discovery had a disagreement. They left their captain, Henry Hudson, adrift in a small boat. He was never seen again. The crew then returned to England.
Replicas of Discovery
Replicas are copies of old ships. You can see replicas of Discovery and its sister ships, the Susan Constant and Godspeed. These copies are docked in the James River at Jamestown Settlement. This is next to the Jamestown National Historic Site.
A newer replica of Discovery was built in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. It was launched in September 2006. The older replica, built in 1984, traveled to the United Kingdom. This was part of the celebrations for Virginia's 400th anniversary. After its tour, the ship was moved to Westenhanger Castle in Kent. It is now on permanent display there.
Modern Depictions of Discovery
Discovery is remembered in modern times. In May 2007, the United States Postal Service released a new stamp. This stamp showed images of the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery.
Discovery was also shown on Virginia's coin. This coin is part of the 50 State Quarters series. It celebrated the 400th anniversary of Jamestown.
See also
In Spanish: Discovery (barco de 1602) para niños
