Attachment_E_Jamestown.pdf

Colonial National Historical Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Colonial National Historical Park Virginia

Jamestown

“A verie fit place for the erecting of a great cittie” and slaves. In the foreground newly ar rived servants talk to their master. An inspector examines tobacco at the ware house as his work ers, servants, and slaves roll hogs heads to a newly ar rived English merchant ship for the return voyage to England. Planters down the street look over newly arrived African slaves. Idlers watch the activity from a tavern, one of several cater ing to those in town on busi ness. Farther downriver, workers drive pil ings for a new wharf, and the lyme burner roasts oyster shells to make lime for mor tar. Most brick construction of the period

Jamestown never became the “great cittie” John Smith envisioned in 1608, but this small colonial settlement did enable England to establish a permanent pres ence in North America and plant a culture that would shape a nation.

Even though it was the center of govern ment and Virginia’s main port of entry, James town had few residen ces—mostly ordinaries or taverns—by the 1660s, the period depicted here. Its residents were mostly officials and their families, mer chants, inn keep ers, indentured servants, was for dwellings (as in the rowhouse in the background). Other brick structures were inns or government buildings. In the distance farm buildings, orchards, pastures, and crops have replaced the forest that covered Jamestown Island before the colo nists moved inland.

The merchant above shows his wares, includ ing the plate shown at right. The tavern maidservant carries the Bel larmine jug at right. The plate, jug, and twohan dled pitcher were found in arche olo gical excavations at James town.

ILLUSTRATION: NPS / KEITH ROCCO; PHOTOS AND ARTIFACTS: NPS

In 1893 Preservation Virginia acquired 22.5 acres on Jamestown Island, including the Old Church Tow er. In 1930 Colonial Nation al Monument (now a national historical park) was established to include James town, Yorktown, and a parkway to connect sites marking the beginning and end of British colonial experience in America. The National Park Service ac quired the rest of the 1,500acre island in 1934 and jointly administers Jamestown with Preservation Virginia. An entrance fee is charged.

Service animals are welcome.

At the Jamestown Visitor Center a 15min ute film and exhibits recount the story of the English settlement at Jamestown. The Voorhees Archaearium features artifacts from the archeological investigations of the 1607 James Fort by Jamestown Redis covery, a Preservation Virginia research pro ject. There are two museum stores.

Food is available at the Dale House Café.

Williamsburg and Yorktown offer food and lodging and have gas stations (there are none along Colonial Parkway). Private campgrounds are nearby.

For Your Safety Please observe posted speed limits. Do not feed wildlife. Keep on the paths and watch your children. Stay away from the river; it is deep even near the shoreline. Do not walk or stand on the fragile ruins.

More Information Colonial National Historical Park P.O. Box 210, Yorktown, VA 23690 7578982410; www.nps.gov/colo

Preservation Virginia 204 W. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23220 8046481889 www.preservationvirginia.org

The quiet paths of New Towne come alive in the scene depicted above.

Beginning with the Grand National Jubilee in 1807 and regularly since then, the found ing of Jamestown has been marked with commemorations. The 1857 event featured a speech by former U.S. President John Tyler, fireworks, and a great ball. The 300th anni versary in 1907 included a major exposition in Norfolk, Va., with a dedication ceremony at Jamestown for the newly constructed Memorial Church and Tercen tenary Monu ment (right). The 350th anniversary in 1957 was highlighted by the visit of Queen Eliza beth II at the Jamestown Festival and the completion of Colonial Parkway and visitor facilities on Jamestown Island.

The 400th anniversary in 2007 was commem orated with improvements like the Archae arium; a visitor center and a research cen ter; and events throughout the year to highlight America’s beginnings, including a return visit by Queen Elizabeth II.

Remembering Jamestown

The Tercentenary Monument commemorates Jamestown’s 300th anniversary.

Remembering JamestownThe Park Today

Attachment E_Jamestown

JAME_S1.indd 1JAME_S1.indd 1 2/16/23 2:20 PM2/16/23 2:20 PM