Jamestown

Jamestown, VA was the first permanent English settlement in North America. The earliest settlers, 104 men and boys, arrived in May 1607. Women came later.


There are two parks at Jamestown - the federal park, located at the exact spot of the original settlement, and the state park, about a mile away. We started out at the state park, where there is a huge museum, as well as an Indian village, and a recreation of the fort.


But what I remembered most from my long-ago visits, were the 3 ships, recreations of the ones that brought the early settlers. You used to be able to get a good shot of the ships from the shore, but now that shot is not available, because of the "natural habitat," (aka WEEDS) that have been allowed to overrun the area.


So I tried to get a shot, but of course the sun was on the other side.


Ah, this is better - I'm on one of the smaller ships, looking back at the Susan Constant, the largest of the ships.


We were allowed to board all 3 ships.


And there were people in period costumes available to answer any questions.


Next we went on to Historic Jamestown, the federal park. There, a fort has been rebuilt on the site of the original fort, along the James River. The statue is of Captain John Smith, the leader of the early colony.


The settlers faced many challenges, desease, starvation and the local Indians. Armor and guns were essential.


A new building is being erected, built in the same way as the early buildings.


A glassblower recreated the settlement's first industry.


All around the area were remnants of original buildings. Actually, the remains are buried under these old bricks, but it was still pretty impressive.


The remains of the Ambler House are original, but it was built later - in the 1750s.

There was lots more to see and do - if you're ever in the area, it's well worth the trip.