29 April 2026 00:00 UTC · The White House · White House Statement · Source · Email X Link

The White House commemorates Jamestown landing and faith

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Cross raised at Cape Henry in April 1607
Jamestown settlers endured hardship and shaped America's founding

TL;DR

104 men arrived April 26, 1607, commissioned by King James I and the Virginia Company of London
Settlers raised a cross on the Chesapeake shore on April 29, 1607, led by Reverend Robert Hunt
A granite cross now marks First Landing; statement urges restoring the Nation's spiritual inheritance

Original text

On this day 419 years ago, America’s birthright of faith was anchored in the sand when a courageous group of adventurers, explorers, and settlers planted a glorious wooden cross at the crest of Cape Henry, Virginia—a consecration of the new frontier that laid the foundation for the greatest Republic in the history of the world. Today, our Nation pays tribute to the heroes who landed at Cape Henry in the spring of 1607, and we pledge to pioneer a future that once again upholds our traditions, cherishes our values, and places our trust in Almighty God. On April 26, 1607, 104 men completed a daring voyage across the Atlantic in search of opportunity in the Americas. Commissioned by King James I and the Virginia Company of London, they were guided by a noble mission: to extend Christendom’s dominion in the New World, secure their prosperity, and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Following their safe arrival, three days after first setting foot on American soil, on April 29, 1607, they raised a commanding cross on the Chesapeake shore in a mighty act of reverence and devotion. Upon fixing the cross into the ground, the settlers, led by Reverend Robert Hunt, humbly bowed their heads in prayer as they prepared to embark on a bold and costly endeavor. They later traveled west to establish Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Despite facing unimaginable hardship—including drought, starvation, and disease—Jamestown endured, America’s gritty character was forged, and less than 200 years later, our Nation was born on July 4, 1776. Today, a granite cross stands in the place of the First Landing in honor of the resilience and heroic Christian witness of the Jamestown settlers. More than 4 centuries later—as we celebrate 250 years of glorious American independence—we follow their example, echo their resolve, and commit to restoring a Nation that honors our rich spiritual inheritance, advances the common good, and offers rightful praise to our Creator above.

The White House commemorates Jamestown landing and faith

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