Jamestown Settlement, Virginia

In 1607, 13 years before the pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, a group of 104 English men and boys began a settlement on the backs of Virginia's James River. They hoped to make a profit from the resources of the New World, but instead suffered terrible hardships. Somehow they managed to endure, earning the distinction of being America's first permanent English colony. Today their story, along with that of the Virginia Indians is told through film, exhibits and living history (re-enactments by period-dressed individuals).

A reconstructed Powhatan village gives an opportunity to visualize the lifestyle of the local Indians.
You can also board and explore replicas of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607.

Docents are available to answer questions and provide information about various facets of the settler's lives and the long and difficult trip from England.

As the relationship with the local Indians deteriorated, the settlement had to fortified to provide protection to the settlers. Life was not easy, many died of disease and malnutrition. Each restocking ship, which came at regular intervals, was full of replacement settlers in addition to supplies.