While staying in Virginia, we had the opportunity to visit many historic sites. One of these was the Jamestown Settlement, the first permanent English settlement in the New World!
Did you know Virginia has two Jamestowns? Jamestown Settlement was established in 1957 near the site of the original James Fort. The second is Historic Jamestowne, established in 1607 by The Virginia Company of London. The chief difference between the two is the former is a living history museum like the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. The latter is the archeological remains of James Fort.
Jamestown Settlement has four main areas to see. The museum, with galleries covering the area of Jamestown, from prehistory and its inhabitation by the native peoples, the invasion of the English, and finally the burning of Jamestown during the Bacon Rebellion of 1676.
The Museum at Jamestown Settlement
One thing we love about this museum is the attention given to the African immigrants and enslaved people. This has been a theme throughout the many historic sites we’ve visited. We learned about the first three enslaved people brought to Virginia by privateers. We even learned about the different metalworking techniques of the enslaved Africans and the English.
Reign and Rebellion
One exhibit deserves special attention. This was the temporary exposition called “Reign and Rebellion.” This exhibit was beautifully done, showing all the factors that shaped the changing political and cultural identity of Virginia, and by extension, the United States.
Using the metaphor of a woven tapestry, it illustrated the changing political climate in England, especially the rises and rebellions related to the divided loyalties between the Catholic Stewarts and the Anglican Hanovers. The exhibit also showed how the interwoven cultures of the Native Americans and enslaved people brought over from Africa added to this changing landscape.
The exhibition was a combination of artifacts, text walls, and videos. The videos were of particular interest to the kids. They had portrayals of dominant personalities from the era sharing their sides of the story, from King James Stewart to Chief Powhatan and his daughter. This multifaceted approach brought the story to life.
As we left the exhibit, they had blank tapestries with different strips of cloth representing different issues the United States struggles with today. Issues like religious freedom, environmental stewardship, and personal freedom. Guests were encouraged to take a strip and “weave” it into the tapestry. It was a beautiful and poignant reminder that our culture isn’t static, and all people have a voice.
Powhatan Village
Outside of the museum, there are three outdoor exhibit areas. A Powhatan Indian village, a recreation of Fort James, and a recreation of the three ships that brought over the original settlers.
The Powhatan village was interesting if a little underwhelming. Previously, we’d visited Pioneer Farm in Western Washington. They had a recreation of an Ohop Indian Village. On the tour of the Ohop village, there were interpreters everywhere, talking about village life, technology, and preservation efforts. In comparison, the Powahatan village had very few interpreters. Some of them appeared to be annoyed with the guests asking questions.
James Fort Recreation
At the time of its construction, the original James Fort was presumed lost to river erosion and hadn’t been rediscovered, so the dimensions of the walls were based on the documented dimensions. In the journals of the time it was said that two of the walls of James Fort were 100 yards, with the 3rd being 110 yards long. The builders of the recreation constructed the walls to those dimensions, including the bastions at the corners.
When the remains of the original walls and 2 of the bastions were discovered in clay stains on the bank of the James River, it was discovered that, while the walls were the lengths described, it was excluding the bastions. This all adds up to the James Fort recreation being about 10% smaller than the original.
That said, The recreation’s goal is much like the goal of the farm at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. To present historical information in an approachable and digestible manner. One of the reenactors went so far as to say, “Historic Jamestowne says we’re the Disney Jamestown.”
The Ships
The last outdoor area was a pier that hosted modern replicas of the three ships that brought the first colonists to Jamestown. The Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery. All three ships are functioning tall ships and often get sailed out to events, festivals, and celebrations. The only difference between them and the original is the inclusion of Diesel auxiliary motors for safety and brevity.
Of the three, we got to tour the largest, the Susan Constant. Walking through the cramped spaces and imagining the number of people who were crowded aboard for the 4-month journey was humbling and intimidating, to say the least.
If you’re visiting the historic triangle of Virginia, this museum is a definite must-see, and probably best done in 2 days, one for the indoor exhibits, and another for the outdoor exhibits.
Historic Jamestowne
As we said above, Historic Jamestowne is the active archeological rediscovery of the original James Fort. Some buildings and sections of the walls have been partially rebuilt using techniques and materials known to have been used. Some areas are still under active excavation.
Historic Jamestowne also hosts a museum where they’ve displayed artifacts from the various digs, including some human remains. The researchers did their best to tell the story of these early settlers and the hardships they went through, from poor hygiene, lack of supplies, and even a case of cannibalism.
One thing Historic Jamestowne did better than any other site is its outreach and education about archeology. Additionally, they have one of the most informative web pages about their efforts. It will be interesting to revisit this place in a few years to see what new discoveries they’ve made.
Both Jamestown locations are unique and worth making the time for in your exploration of Virginia’s Historic Triangle.