The English founded Jamestown, Virginia in the 17th century to search for gold. They didn’t find much, but that wasn’t for lack of effort or scientific skill
Source:
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2226520-north-americas-first-english-settlers-were-unlucky-scientists/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home