Day Trip to Historic Jamestown

Named after King James I of England, 

Historic 'Jamestowne'

or 'James Cittie'  in Virginia, 

is the first permanent English settlement in North America. 

In spring of 1607 

this location was chosen because 

it was defensible should the Spanish attack. 

The Spanish did not attack 

but the native Powhatan did, 

so the colonists built defensive structures. 

But the bulwarks and artillery 

would not protect them from the disease that followed. 

By the end of 1607 

only 38 of the 104 colonists survive. 

Most were killed by disease.

But not to worry, 

Capt. John Smith returns from England in January 1608

with provisions and 100 more settlers. 

Later in 1608, more follow including women

but the next year will be a brutal one for them 

as food is in very short supply, 

struggles with the Powhatan continue, 

and colonists continue to die from disease. 

Tobacco from Bermuda 

is grown by John Rolfe 

and by 1612 the first crop is exported. 

This becomes Virginia's 

most important cash crop. 

As struggles with the native people continue 

Pocahontas is kidnapped

 from Chief Powhatan in 1613.  

Her father, the chief, 

does not respond to ransom demands 

and Pocahontas marries John Rolfe in 1614. 

They have a son and visit England 

where Pocahontas dies. 

Rolfe returns to Jamestown. 

Somehow, these brave souls 

muddle through their hardships 

and build a viable city. 

Today, you can visit Historic Jamestown. 

The old town contains ruins 

and archeological digs. 

The adjacent new town 

contains additional ruins. 

You can also visit a nearby reconstructed glass house 

demonstrating glassblowing in the 17th century style.

However, the early colonists' attempts to establish glass manufacturing failed. 

 Historic Jamestown is

jointly owned by the 

National Park Service 

and Preservation Virginia. 

$27.50 for adults, $13.50 for ages 6-12.

Artist's Rendition

Historic Jamestown it not the same as Jamestown Settlement. 

Historic Jamestown it the actual Jamestown site. 

Jamestown Settlement is a nearby reconstructed living history museum.