Historic Jamestown
For the first time since the colonists landed in 1607, 400 years ago, these artifacts are now on display and interpreted at the innovated new Jamestown Archaerium.
These artifacts give us important details on how the early colonists lived, worked and survived in the new world. This is the site where three cultures and customs, Africans, Native Americans, and Europeans merged to become Americans. Also, it was the start of our democratic form of government and laws of the land, which later spread to over 400 countries all over the world.
Historic Jamestown Island, the Jamestown Discovery Project continues their efforts. Recently uncovered, what might have been one of our countryâ„¢s oldest wine cellars with some of the glass bottles still intact. The bottles may have belonged to Virginia Governor Francis Nicholson who served as the Royal Governor from 1698 to 1706. More than a million artifacts have been uncovered.
The archaearium explores the forensic science that is being used today to identify the remains which were found in 70 burial sites. The process of identifying Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, a founding father of Jamestown, is a fascinating study on how new technology is solving historyâ„¢s mysteries.
Also here was the lovely maiden Pocahontas who lived with her family. Her father had the largest group of tribes in this area. Captain John Smith was her mentor and benefactor. Later she married John Rolfe, moved to England and died there at an early age, leaving behind her husband and young son, Thomas.
The Jamestown Settlement, a recreation of the Island, and now history becomes more alive.
The vessel Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery arrived in Virginia in the spring or 1607. On May 14th, their 104 passengers, all men and boys began building on the banks of the James River. America’s first permanent English speaking settlement, predating Plymouth in Massachusetts by 13 years was born.
A wonderful new museum and its galleries depict and explore political, social and economic conditions that led to English colonization, the culture of the Powhatan Indians, background of the Africans in the 17th century. Welcome to the World of 1607.
Walk the streets of our forefathers, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Patrick Henry, perhaps seeing a discussion between two of them. In those days, Williamsburg was the social, political and economic capital of Virginia.
Walk into the buildings where historic events took place. View the ornate splendor of the Royal Governor’s Palace, watch the trades people, and visit the Goal (Jail), where Blackbeard’s men were imprisoned. Talk with people of the past who bring Williamsburg to life. See if there is a concert late in the morning with the glass armonica being played. The armonica was designed by Ben Franklin; he too might be in town for the occasion.
There are many options that can be further customized; learning how the artifacts were preserved and documented; visit the home of John D. Rockefeller, benefactor of Colonial Williamsburg; special focus programs; plays and musical performances; carriage rides and the annual Antique Forum and Garden Symposium.
Historic Jamestowne is the official name used for promotional purposes for the original site of the 1607 James Fort and the later 17th century city of Jamestown, located on the James River at Jamestown, Virginia, an attraction operated by the U.S. National Park Service.
Jamestown History
Jamestown, first established in May 1607, was the site of the first permanent British colony in North America. Jamestown was the capital of the Virginia Colony, and saw Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676, when the statehouse was burned. After a second burning in 1698, the capital was relocated to higher ground at Middle Plantation in 1699, which was then renamed Williamsburg.
In the 19th century, Jamestowne Island reverted to little used farmland, and became the site of Confederate earthworks during the American Civil War intended to provide rivers defenses against Union gunboats. The Ambler Farm was burned by escaped slaves, who found the desolate island to be a haven.
Jamestown Preservation
By 1893 the site of Jamestown was owned by Mr and Mrs Edward Barney, who donated 22½ acres of land, including the 1639 tower of the Jamestown Church, to the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (now APVA Preservation Virginia). By this time, erosion from the river had eaten away the island’s western shore; visitors began to conclude that the site of James Fort lay completely underwater. With federal assistance, a sea wall was constructed in 1900 to protect the area from further erosion. The archaeological remains of the original 1607 fort, which had been protected by the seawall, were discovered in 1994. The APVA property was designated Jamestown National Historic Site on December 18, 1940, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.
Nearby Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens has an exciting lineup of events planned,. from concerts to interactive animal and landscaping weekends, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family. The world’s most beautiful theme park also is celebrating several milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the Loch Ness Monster roller coaster; the second year of Griffon, the world’s tallest and first floorless dive coaster; and the 10th season of Howl-O-Scream, the parks annual fright fest. For all the latest information, visit buschgardens.com/va.
