Photo of Jamestown Settlement’s re-created 1607 ships courtesy of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.
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Jamestown, founded by intrepid English settlers on Virginia’s James River, celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2007. You can visit the actual site of the settlement, Historic Jamestowne on Jamestown Island, and learn even more about the landing and first colonists at adjacent Jamestown Settlement.
A number of “firsts” at Jamestown Island
Jamestown Island has been a treasure trove of artifacts that tell us a great deal about the settlers and life in a new and strange environment in the early 17th century. Archaeologists have discovered more than a million artifacts, some of which you can view at the Archaearium. You can also see the boundaries of the original 1607 fort. And you can visit the Memorial Church, the site of the First Legislative Assembly in 1619, the critical first step in establishing America’s system of representative government, one of our greatest legacies from Jamestown.
Embracing history at Jamestown Settlement
The English may have arrived in 1607, but Indians had been living in the region for thousands of years. You’ll learn about them and their relationship with the English settlers at Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum. Here you’ll find an exhibition hall, permanent exhibition galleries and a 250-seat theater for special events. Step outside and you will shortly enter a re-created Powhatan Indian Village and Jamestown Fort, which includes representations of the governor’s house, kitchen and munitions storehouse, among other buildings. Continuing on to the riverfront area, you can tour the Settlement’s most popular attraction: the three re-created sailing ships.
The official state fleet
In 2001, the Commonwealth of Virginia designated the Godspeed, Susan Constant and Discovery as the official state fleet. These are “historical representations” of the original vessels that sailed from London in December 1606 bringing settlers who established the first permanent English settlement in the New World: Jamestown, Virginia.
Accommodations
Jamestown is only 9 miles from Williamsburg and there are dozens of lodging choices in the Williamsburg area. One option is Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Williamsburg on Richmond Road, a location that offers a variety of restaurants popular with visitors.
Staying longer? Need more room for your family? Consider Vacation Village at Williamsburg. This property is centrally located and 8 miles from Jamestown Settlement and Jamestown Island. Rooms are available with separate sitting areas. Indoor and outdoor pool, spa, fitness center.
Dining options
Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill on the Bypass off Richmond Road is a favorite of locals. Nothing fancy here, just good food. Repeat diners love the smoked beef brisket sandwich, crab cakes and mac n’ cheese.
Opus 9 Steakhouse in the New Town area off Richmond Road is noted for its elegant atmosphere as well as its menu. If you’re in town on a Sunday, make a reservation for brunch. From omelets and Belgian Waffles to prime rib and a wide range of desserts, there are plenty of delicious options, and brunch at Opus 9 is less expensive than dinner.
Getting there
Although your plans might take you into Norfolk International Airport or Richmond International, the closest airport to the Jamestown area is the Newport News-Williamsburg Airport. From there, the driving distance to the Jamestown area is about 23 miles. Keep in mind that from both Yorktown and Williamsburg, you can take the scenic route along the Colonial Parkway and enjoy both river and woodland views. As a bonus, there will usually be very little traffic.