Godspeed (ship) facts for kids
Replica of Godspeed in New York City in 2006
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Quick facts for kids History |
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.svg){kind=small} England |
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| Name | Godspeed |
| Namesake | Godspeed (English expression) |
| Owner | Virginia Company of London |
| In service | before 1607 |
| Out of service | unknown (after 1607) |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 40 |
| Length | est. 68 ft (21 m) |
| Sail plan | fully rigged ship |
Godspeed was one of three important ships that sailed from England to the New World in 1606. Under Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, it joined the Susan Constant and Discovery. These ships carried English settlers for the Virginia Company of London. Their long journey led to the founding of Jamestown. This was the first permanent English settlement in the new Colony of Virginia.
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The Journey to Jamestown
The Godspeed was a ship weighing about 40 tons. It was estimated to be about 68 feet (21 m) long. On December 20, 1606, the Godspeed left England as part of the original fleet heading to Virginia.
Passengers and Crew
The ship carried 39 male passengers and 13 sailors. They were all hoping to start a new life in the Americas.
The Long Voyage
The journey was quite long and difficult. The ships stopped at the Canary Islands and Puerto Rico along the way. Even with good winds, the trip would have taken about two months. However, the voyage for the Godspeed and its sister ships lasted 144 days.
Returning to England
On June 22, 1607, Captain Newport sailed back to London. He took the Susan Constant and the Godspeed with him. They carried what they thought were valuable minerals. The 104 colonists stayed behind in Jamestown. The smaller ship, Discovery, also stayed to help explore the new area.
Replicas of Godspeed
Because Godspeed was so important to American history, people have built copies, or "replicas," of the ship.
The 1985 Replica
In 1985, a replica of Godspeed was built. It was a bit smaller than the original, only 48 feet long on deck. This replica sailed from London back to Virginia. It had a crew of 14 people. The journey followed much of the original route. It stopped at places like the Canary Islands and various spots in the Windward Islands. Finally, it sailed to Jamestown.
The 2006 Replica
The most recent replica of Godspeed was finished in early 2006. It was built in Rockport, Maine. This replica is 88 feet (27 m) long overall. Its deck is 65.5 feet (20.0 m) long, and its main mast stands 71.5 feet (21.8 m) tall. It carries 2,420 square feet (225 m2) of sail.
Today, replicas of Godspeed and its sister ships, the Susan Constant and the Discovery, are docked. You can see them on the James River at Jamestown Settlement. This is a living history museum right next to the Jamestown National Historic Site.
Godspeed in Modern Times
The Godspeed and its journey have been honored in several ways.
Commemorative Stamp
In May 2007, the United States Postal Service released a special stamp. This stamp showed images of all three ships: Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery.
Virginia State Quarter
Godspeed was also featured on Virginia's coin as part of the 50 State Quarters program. This was done to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown.
