Jamestown, in Virginia's "Historic Triangle," celebrates the 400th anniversary this month of the first permanent English settlement in America.
In 1607, 104 English men and boys, sponsored by the Virginia Company, landed on the banks of the James River and began a settlement that endured many hardships during its first years. Despite cold, hunger, and attacks by Native Americans, the settlement survived to eventually become the colony of Virginia, which played an important role in the development of our country.
Today, visitors to Jamestown Settlement can see re-creations of the original fort built by the English adventurers; a rendering of the Native American village of Chief Powhatan, the father of Pocahontas; and replicas of the three ships which brought the English settlers to "The New World." Films, exhibits and costumed interpreters show visitors the daily lives of the settlers and Native Americans, as well as the Africans who were later brought in slavery to work in the area's tobacco fields, harvesting the crop which became the colony's economic staple.
In addition to the Jamestown Settlement, another nearby attraction is the Yorktown Battlefield, site of the major victory which won independence for the
American revolutionaries. Administered by the National Park Service, the battlefield is the site of the victory by George Washington's army over British forces in 1781.
The Yorktown Victory Center combines films, exhibits and living history re-creations to tell the story of the evolvement of the American Revolution and our journey to nationhood, as well as the exciting story of the battle itself.
Virginia's Historic Triangle is completed with Colonial Williamsburg, the exciting re-creation of a living and breathing colonial capital of 200 years ago, a wonderful vacation and educational experience for the whole family.
For further information, call 800 VISIT VA, or go to the Virginia tourism website, www.virginia.org. ENJOY!