8. High Mortality Rates
During the early years of the Jamestown settlement, mortality rates were alarmingly high. In the first year, the colony’s population decreased from 108 to 38. By the winter of 1609-1610, known as the “Starving Time,” only 60 of 500 colonists survived. Disease, starvation, and violence all contributed to the colony’s deadly reputation. (teachers.yale.edu)
