The explorer John Smith possessed some fine characteristics that helped make him a very important person in the colonization of the New World. John Smith was known to be a very courageous and strong man, devoid of fear. When he was a young boy, he ran away from home to become a soldier in Europe. Young John Smith longed for excitement and adventure in his life. He was young, but from a young age he was sure he wanted to live a life filled with wonders. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayDuring the settlement of Jamestown, he took on the responsibility of leadership in saving the colony from starvation, forcing the men to plant crops and build houses. . John Smith traded food with the Indians. Soon after, the colony decided to choose him as president of the Jamestown colony. He saved their lives; he was a hero to them. He was a strong leader and the settlers not only believed him, but also trusted them. While he was in Jamestown, he wrote about many of the stories that occurred. In 1614 he published an article about his journey. John Smith was not only a soldier, explorer and writer, but he also knew how to draw. He drew many maps, showing the adventures he experienced. Many of these maps were used by other groups of settlers who came to the New World. His name is probably best remembered as that of the man who was nearly beheaded by Indians, when the chief's daughter rushed to his side and saved his life. The chief's daughter was named Pocahontas, a name known to almost everyone (thanks to Disney). He had some difficulties as a leader. By the early 1600s (1608 to be exact), only 38 of the original 104 settlers were still living. The others died of serious illness or starvation. Provisions and food were scarce; they were very difficult to find. Supply ships soon arrived, but over the next year and a half Smith would lead numerous trade missions to acquire the food needed for the colony. Smith also led several expeditions to explore and map the Chesapeake Bay region. While traveling, he caught a stingray that stung him and nearly killed him. Smith had several brushes with death, as you can probably tell. Smith was a very strong man, but also a very strong leader. He fought to keep people alive and he did whatever it took to make sure food was provided. People generally describe him as the "greatest explorer and leader of all time." I believe this statement to be true. He is one of the most powerful leaders in history. In 1609, John Smith was seriously injured by a gunpowder explosion. Smith decided to return to England, where he promoted the colonization of North America. In 1614 he made a grand return to America, traveling to Maine and the Massachusetts Bay region. He decided to name the region “New England.” When Smith learned that Pocahontas had arrived in England in 1616, he wrote a letter to Queen Anne telling her of Pocahontas' friendship for the Virginia colony and requesting that she be received as a royal visitor. Pocahontas was treated as the daughter of a prince and was respectfully received by the ladies of the queen's court. Smith also paid a short visit to Pocahontas while she was in England. The two men had crossed paths in their cultures more than any.