The Starving Time

The Starving Time refers to a severe food shortage that occurred during the winter of 1609-1610 in the Jamestown colony, one of the first English settlements in North America. Due to drought, poor harvests, and limited supplies, many settlers lacked enough food to survive. Conditions worsened with disease and starvation, and by the spring, most of the colonists had died or left. This period highlights the harsh realities early settlers faced and underscores the importance of sustainable provisioning.