Before Europeans arrived on the land that is now called Richmond, Virginia, it was inhabited by people of the Powatan Native American tribe. In 1607, the Powatan people were joined by some European settlers led by Captain Christopher Newport who were exploring the land. They attempeted to establish a settlement here twice, but these early settlments failed. The first permanent settlement was established at the falls of the James River in 1637, and in 1644 Fort Charels was construted there to protect settlers. The community developed as a trading center. Furs, hides and tobbaco were traded at that site. In 1737, the city was founded under the patronage of William Byrd. It was named for Richmond upon Thames, England. In 1781 during the Revolutionary War, Benidict Arnold burned part of Richmond. In 1861 Richmond was made capital of the Confederate States of America. It was captured on April 3, 1865 by General Ulysses S. Grant and his troops of the Union during the Civil War. After the Civil War, the city was immediately rebuilt. During the early 1900's, the city attracted many industries. By 1950 Richmond's population had grown to 230,810. In the 1980's, several major construction projects were undergone. Today, Richmond is a great modern city and a home for many happy Americans.