In 1607, when Jamestown, Virginia was just getting its footing, another brave group of settlers set off for the coast of Maine to establish Popham Colony in what is today’s Phippsburg. Granted a charter by King James I, under the direction of the Virginia Company, approximately 120 colonists dropped anchor at what is now the mouth of the Kennebec River. After giving thanks for surviving the journey, the men immediately got to work establishing Popham, which was named for its principal financial backer, Sir John Popham, and his nephew, George Popham, who served as the colony’s leader. Although little is known about how much of the original colony was built, a map drawn by John Hunt depicts how they envisioned their fort. We do know that while working on that fort, they also constructed the first British vessel built in North America. They eventually used that 50-foot pinnace, named the Virginia of Sagadahoc, to abandon Popham and return to England!

Alright, so the first English colony in Maine didn’t last long, just 14 months. By September 1608 the last remaining colonists were aboard the Virginia, and headed home to England. Originally built to be used for coastal exploration, trade, and fishing, alterations were made to the rigging to prepare it for the ocean voyage. Yes, ships of various sizes were built in North America prior to this, especially by the Spanish. However, the successful voyage of the Virginia made it the first known ship built by the English in North America to sail across the Atlantic to England. And if that wasn’t enough, the Virginia returned the following year in 1609, as part of a nine ship convoy to resupply the colony of Jamestown. The ship was then used by the Jamestown colonists during the catastrophic “starving time,” in the winter and spring of 1609 – 1610. However, after a failed fishing expedition into Chesapeake Bay in 1610, there was no further mention of the Virginia…until now!

Thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers, using extensive historical research of the shipbuilding techniques of the period, a replica of the pinnace Virginia was launched in Bath, Maine on June 4, 2022! Docked at the Maine’s First Ship’s Visitor Center, located in the historic Bath Freight Shed on Commercial Street, visitors are welcome to tour the ship and even to sail on it! For more information, including making reservations, or to read the fascinating history and view lectures on the history of Popham Colony and the Virginia, please visit Maine’s First Ship, at mfship.org.