The leader of Jamestown in its early years was Captain John Smith. He became the president of the Jamestown Council on September 10, 1608, and played a crucial role in the survival of the colony during its difficult first year by enforcing discipline, organizing work, securing food through trade with Native Americans, and leading exploration efforts in the region
. Before Smith, the first president of the Jamestown colony was Edward Maria Wingfield in 1607, but Smith's leadership is the most noted for stabilizing the colony during its critical early period
. Other notable leaders who governed Jamestown and the Virginia Colony after Smith included:
- Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, appointed governor in 1609, who arrived with reinforcements and supplies and took over leadership
- Sir Thomas Gates, who served as governor in 1610 and helped restore order after the "Starving Time"
- Sir George Yeardley, appointed governor in 1618, who implemented reforms and helped establish the first representative government in America
In summary, John Smith was the key early leader of Jamestown during 1608-1609, credited with saving the colony from collapse through his leadership and policies
