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.
