Historic_Jamestowne

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History Travel - See Historic Jamestowne (the original site)

2007 is the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, Virginia, and the sentimental “birth” of America. The is a perfect time to visit Historic Jamestowne (the original site) as well as nearby Jamestown Settlement (a living history re-creation).

The founding of England’s first permanent settlement in North America began as a story of intense struggle and the constant threat of failure. The “promised land” settled in 1607 proved to be swampy much of the year and a breeding ground for disease. Highly stressed, the colonists fought among themselves and soon managed to anger local Indians who had tried to befriend them. What’s more, the worst drought in 770 years destroyed their crops. Although hundreds came from across the Atlantic, only 60 had survived here by the spring of 1610. Such was the “birthplace of America.”

How could Jamestown have survived? Remarkably, it did; ultimately, it even prospered. For over 90 years, Jamestown served as the English colonial capital. But in 1698, its statehouse burned. After that, the capital was moved to nearby Middle Plantation, soon to be known as Williamsburg.

This is a fascinating place to visit. Significant parts of the original fort - including wells, interior buildings, a warehouse and several pits - have been identified. Archaeologists are still working at the site, and hundreds of the more than 2 million artifacts discovered to date are displayed at the new Visitor Center and at the Archaearium exhibition center. Near the park entrance are the remains of a 1608 furnace used in a failed attempt to make glass. Close by is Jamestown Glasshouse, where master craftsmen today produce glass objects using seventeenth-century techniques. At the fort site itself, the church’s brick tower is still standing, now part of the Jamestown Memorial Church. Portions of the palisade have been re-constructed where the original posts stood 400 years ago. And, of course, talks by costumed interpreters and park rangers heighten the experience.

***Historic Jamestowne is located in the Colonial National Historical Park in VA, at the southwest end of the Colonial Parkway, reached via I-64 and SR 199. Open daily except December 25 and January 1. Admission charged. Individual and combination tickets available for nearby Yorktown and Williamsburg attractions.

Excerpted from new travel guide “America's Living History-The Early Years,” Red Corral Publishing, May 2007, www.AmericasLivingHistory.com Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker, Authors.

Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker

This husband-and-wife team has driven more than 125,000 miles by car and motorhome in recent years, exploring America. While searching out scenic locations for Craig’s stock photography business, they became intrigued by the many historic sites that preserve and replicate our nation’s history. Ultimately, their discoveries led them to form a publishing company and produce one of their own works, “America’s Living History-The Early Years,” as their first entry into the publishing world.

Suzanne began her career writing about travel. After nine years, she switched to biomedical writing (her other major interest), but then returned to travel writing as she became passionate about history travel.

Craig is a graphic designer and photographer who has owned his own design firm, producing both print and multi-media projects for a wide range of business clients. Over time, he has emphasized his photography business and traveled with Suzanne to all 50 states, seeking out the best photo opportunities and exploring America’s living history.

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