The archaearium explores the forensic science that is being used today to identify the remains which were found in 70 burial sites. The process of identifying Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, a founding father of Jamestown, is a fascinating study on how new technology is solving history’s mysteries.
Also here was the lovely maiden Pocahontas who lived with her family. Her father had the largest group of tribes in this area. Captain John Smith was her mentor and benefactor. Later she married John Rolfe, moved to England and died there at an early age, leaving behind her husband and young son, Thomas. She is buried in England…some of us would like to have her come home.
The Jamestown Settlement, a recreation of the Island, and now history becomes more alive.
Walk the streets of our forefathers, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Patrick Henry, perhaps seeing a discussion between two of them. In those days, Williamsburg was the social, political and economic capital of Virginia.
Walk into the buildings where historic events took place. View the ornate splendor of the Royal Governor’s Palace, watch the trades people, and visit the Goal (Jail), where Blackbeard’s men were imprisoned. Talk with people of the past who bring Williamsburg to life. See if there is a concert late in the morning with the glass armonica being played. The armonica was designed by Ben Franklin; he too might be in town for the occasion.
There are many options that can be further customized; learning how the artifacts were preserved and documented; visit the home of John D. Rockefeller, benefactor of Colonial Williamsburg; special focus programs; plays and musical performances; carriage rides and the annual Antique Forum and Garden Symposium.
Historic Jamestowne is the official name used for promotional purposes for the original site of the 1607 James Fort and the later 17th century city of Jamestown, located on the James River at Jamestown, Virginia, an attraction operated by the U.S. National Park Service.
Jamestown History
Jamestown, first established in May 1607, was the site of the first permanent British colony in North America. Jamestown was the capital of the Virginia Colony, and saw Bacon's Rebellion in 1676, when the statehouse was burned. After a second burning in 1698, the capital was relocated to higher ground at Middle Plantation in 1699, which was then renamed Williamsburg.
In the 19th century, Jamestowne Island reverted to little used farmland, and became the site of Confederate earthworks during the American Civil War intended to provide rivers defenses against Union gunboats. The Ambler Farm was burned by escaped slaves, who found the desolate island to be a haven.
Jamestown Preservation
By 1893 the site of Jamestown was owned by Mr and Mrs Edward Barney, who donated 22½ acres of land, including the 1639 tower of the Jamestown Church, to the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (now APVA Preservation Virginia). By this time, erosion from the river had eaten away the island's western shore; visitors began to conclude that the site of James Fort lay completely underwater. With federal assistance, a sea wall was constructed in 1900 to protect the area from further erosion. The archaeological remains of the original 1607 fort, which had been protected by the seawall, were discovered in 1994. The APVA property was designated Jamestown National Historic Site on December 18, 1940, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.
In 1934, Colonial National Historical Park obtained the remaining 1500 acre (6.1 km²) island and partnered with the APVA to preserve the area and present it to visitors in an educational manner. In 2006, many preparations were underway for the Jamestown 2007 event celebrating the 400th anniversary of the settlement. Queen Elizabeth II visited Historic Jamestowne on May 4 2007 — she had previously visited the park in October 1957.
Nearby Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Journey to the unexpected. Busch Gardens has an exciting lineup of events planned for 2008. From concerts to interactive animal and landscaping weekends, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family. The world’s most beautiful theme park also is celebrating several milestones in ’08, including the 30th anniversary of the Loch Ness Monster roller coaster; the second year of Griffon, the world’s tallest and first floorless dive coaster; and the 10th season of Howl-O-Scream, the park’s annual fright fest. For all the latest information, visit buschgardens.com/va.
Call 1 800 330 8820 or 415 446 5252 to start planning
www.visitwilliamsburg.com
www.wikipedia.com