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1) Virginia students spend a large segment of time studying Jamestown in the 4th grade. Most classes take a field trip to the recreated settlement. © 2011 by etva
2) This is a full sized recreation of the Susan Constant, which was 82' in length, with a 95' mainmast. She's believed to have carried 71 of the 104 colonists that left England. © 2011 by etva
3) Historians generally agree, that without John Smith and his leadership, the settlers would not have survived the first two years. © 2011 by etva
4) The colonists believed that the primary danger to Jamestown would come from other Europeans via the James River. Thus, the town gate (and a cannon) faced the harbor. © 2011 by etva
5) Jamestown buildings were mostly wattle-and-daub structures with thatched roofs. © 2011 by etva
6) This cannon sits inside the gates of Jamestown, facing the harbor. An original saker cannon is on display at the Museum, as well as cannonballs, some weighing 18 pounds. © 2011 by etva
7) Near the Jamestown settlement is this recreation of a Powhatan Native American village. Historical reenactors demonstrate how natural resources were used for food, clothing, shelter, defense and travel. © 2011 by etva
8) This canoe was carved from a tree trunk, and scraped out using oyster shells. Visitors are offered the opportunity to assist. © 2011 by etva
9) Historical reenactors demonstrate Powhatan tanning methods for deer and other animal skins. © 2011 by etva
10) Colonial tools were kept in a storehouse. © 2011 by etva
11) Jamestown gold, otherwise known as tobacco. © 2011 by etva
12) This is a partial outline of the original fort. As noted by Dubbya in the comment section of this article, the site of the actual fort is at a different location than the recreated village. © 2011 by etva
13) Building frame at the site of the original Jamestown Fort. © 2011 by etva
This article is part of a series entitled "8 Places in Virginia." It seemed appropriate to begin with Jamestown.
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Jamestown is recognized as the first permanent English settlement in America. The travel and supplies for the trip were funded by the Virginia Company of London, which received a charter from King James I, to establish settlements on the east coast of North America.
In May 1607, Captain Christopher Newport arrived with an estimated 100 colonists, in what is now the Tidewater Region of Virginia, with three ships, the Discovery, Godspeed, and the Susan Constant.
The site of the settlement at the mouth of the James River, was chosen because the water was deep enough for the ships to dock, and was easily defended by land and sea. There also appeared to be plenty of fresh water, however, it was soon discovered that the area was swampy and full of mosquitoes.
In the first year following the arrival of the colonists, a seven man governing council was established, but things did not go well. Many of the settlers were “gentlemen” seeking gold and financial opportunities, but they had little experience with the hard work necessary for survival. There was a severe shortage of food and fresh water, and many fell ill and died during the first winter.
In January 1608, the first supply ship arrived just in time to save the remaining 40 settlers. Approximately 100 new colonists also took up residence within the fort.
Also in that year, John Smith became Governor of the Council and implemented a policy requiring everyone to participate in the work to grow food, else they did not eat. He also began trade with the local Powhatan Indians after being captured and according to legend, nearly executed.
There is some debate about the validity of his near execution and the timely intervention by the Algonquian princess, but it was definitely at this time, that Smith befriended Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan.
Unfortunately, the relationship between the colonists and the Native Americans deteriorated after John Smith was forced to return to England due to injury.
The winter of 1609 was known as “The Starving Time.” The colonists did not have enough food stores and feared attack if they left the fort to hunt. Only 60 of more than 200 settlers survived until spring, when the next supply ship arrived with food and new settlers.
Over the next five years, the colonists faced hardships and learned to adapt to their environment. Their relationship with the Powhatans had ups and downs, but knowledge was shared, and the colonists learned which crops were successful in the area.
In 1614, Pocahontas married John Rolfe, and helped establish an 8-year period of peaceful coexistence between the two groups. It was also at this time, that the colonists began growing tobacco as a cash crop, which was sent back to England for sale and trade.
In 1619, the first Africans arrived in Jamestown, but there is much heated debate about their status.
Out of a violent storm appears a Dutch ship. The ship's cargo hold is empty except for twenty or so Africans whom the captain and his crew have recently robbed from a Spanish ship. The captain exchanges the Africans for food, then sets sail.
It's not clear if the Africans are considered slaves or indentured servants. (An indentured servant would be required to work a set amount of time, then granted freedom.) Records of 1623 and 1624 list them as servants, and indeed later records show increasing numbers of free blacks, some of whom were assigned land. On the other hand, records from gatherings do not indicate the marital status of the Africans (Mr., Miss, etc.) and, unlike white servants, no year is associated with the names -- information vital in determining the end of a servant's term of bondage. Most likely some Africans were slaves and some were servants. At any rate, the status of people in bondage was very confusing, even to those who were living at the time.
Whatever the status of these first Africans to arrive at Jamestown, it is clear that by 1640, at least one African had been declared a slave. This African was ordered by the court "to serve his said master or his assigns for the time of his natural life here or elsewhere." (link)
By 1620, Jamestown was considered secure and prosperous, and the first “Bride Ship” arrived, having been paid for with profits from tobacco sales.
Virginia became a crown colony in 1624, with Jamestown as its Capital until 1698, when it was moved to Williamsburg, after a major fire destroyed the State House.
Today a recreated Jamestown is open to the public, and includes a neighboring Powhatan village and a museum of original artifacts. The original site of Jamestown has been located, and is still being explored by archeologists, but tourists are welcomed to visit and take pictures from a distance.
Resources and References for More Information
