This biography is part of a series on the early explorers of America, so it focuses primarily on Sir Walter Raleigh's expeditions to the new world. Raleigh is famous both for his contributions to establishing the first American settlement at Jamestown and also for his adventures in South America, in search of El Dorado. As one of Queen Elizabeth's favorite courtiers, he was involved in much palace intrigue, and was eventually imprisoned by Elizabeth's successor, James I.