Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement
Historic Jamestowne
Historic Jamestowne
Historic Jamestowne
- The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
The Date: 1607-1676
The Place: Jamestown, Virginia
On May 13, 1607 the first 104 English citizens arrived to the banks of what is now known as the James River. Under charter by James I to the Virginia Company of London, their mission was to establish the colony of Virginia. Over the summer months, colonists died from disease and starvation. By 1610, only 90 of nearly 300 had survived the winter of 1609-1610. The colony grew in membership until attacked in 1622 by Powhatan Indians, killing nearly a third of its population. By 1667, the population swelled to exceed 60,000, but due to political strife with England the town was eventually burned to near ruins and the colony’s government was relocated to Williamsburg by 1699.
Who were the brave settlers to the New World? What were their occupations? How did they survive?
Jamestown Settlement
After touring the indoor galleries and viewing the 15-minute docudrama, Jamestown:The Beginning, head outdoors to the re-created Powhatan Indian village, James Fort, Riverfront Discovery Area and three ships (replicas) that transported colonists to the New World. Colonists, tradesmen, military, farmers, Indians and slaves are all busy going about their daily activities. Yet, without breaking character, they’re not too busy to stop and chat with you.
In the Powhatan Indian village, the world of Pocahontas comes alive. Observe the residents growing and preparing food, processing animal hides, making tools and pottery and weaving natural fibers into cordage. Climb aboard the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery ships, docked at the pier. Talk to one of the passengers about their four-and-a-half month voyage from England. They may demonstrate how to pilot and navigate the great ships, handle cargo and make sails.
Settlers of the James Fort create and repair metal objects in a blacksmith’s forge, fire a musket, cultivate food and tobacco crops, create wood products using 17th-Century tools, sew and prepare meals. Along the riverfront discovery area, folks go about their daily duties, building boats and repairing nets.
Children may climb aboard ships and into a sailor’s bunk, steer a ship, climb into an Indian ‘house,’ grind corn, try on English armor or play ninepins (bowling) and quoits (ring toss).
Historic Jamestowne
Your exploration of the archaeological ruins begins at the Visitor’s Center with a 15-minute film and exhibits that recount the story of Jamestown. Park rangers are on hand to provide information as you meander down gravel pathways past the foundations of 400-year old buildings. Memorial Church still stands, providing quiet solitude to visitors. Several headstones remain in the churchyard.
Children have an opportunity to make a pinch pot similar to those that may have been made by Native Virginia Indians. As they learn about the early colony’s beginnings, they have may partake in a Junior Ranger Program where they may earn an achievement patch and certificate.
As you leave the archaeological site, stop at the Glasshouse where artisans demonstrate glassblowing, one of Virginia’s first industries. Visitors have an opportunity to purchase glass items made at the park.
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
