How to Spend an Afternoon at the Jamestown Settlement in Virginia
Note that the Jamestown Settlement is a separate entity from Historic Jamestowne. It is a museum that offers a re-creation of life in 17th-century America. There are films and galleries indoors that provide unique perspectives of the people who lived in this area. Native Americans, English and African slaves inhabited Jamestown Island. Situated out on the grounds are a Powhatan Indian Village, the riverfront where three replica ships are docked and a reproduction of the Jamestown fort.
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Things You'll Need
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Camera
Instructions
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Visit the indoor area first. The galleries include films and dioramas depicting the lives of Native Americans and African slaves, as well as the meager conditions of the English settlers. Several original artifacts are on display.
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Take a guided tour of the settlement. The length of the tour depends on the docent. The docent is very informed and answers questions. The tour is an excellent way to experience the settlement.
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Visit the sites independently. Veer along the path to the right and visit the Powhatan Indian Village. These indigenous people lived in thatched huts that included bunks covered with animal hide. Hides, utensils and food hang from the ceiling. The huts are warm and inviting. Visitors can grind corn, scrape hides and weave baskets. Several demonstrations are given by experts in authentic dress. One demonstration shows how to strike a stone with a deer horn to create a sharp flint.
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Visit the dock and the three replicas of ships that crossed the Atlantic. A crew member explains how to steer the ship with a whipstaff, how the sails are rigged and how the cook prepares the meals. Below the decks, bunks with straw mattresses and wool blankets share space with cannons. Cribbage and card tables are on display. The captain has his own small, but comfortable, quarters near the rear of the larger ship -- the Susan Constant.
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Stop at the Discovery Area, and assist in hollowing out a canoe. Small fires are built upon hollowed out logs with substantial girth, and after burning a few hours in one spot, the fires are repositioned on the log. Oyster shells are used to scrape the charred wood from the log until the hollowing is complete. Children particularly enjoy this process. There are also finished canoes to sit and play in.
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Visit the reproduction of the Jamestown fort. The fort is triangular with cannon posts at each corner. Inside are several homes and gardens where the settlers resided, including the governor. Chickens roam free among artisans and tradesman who explain their technique in metallurgy, farming and marksmanship.
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Visit the church where the pews have firm upright backs and an authentic broom hangs near the door for easy sweeping. The pulpit is accessible and of particular interest. Open one of the two doors, walk the spiral steps up to the podium, and address the congregation. Note the narrow windows and the six candles placed along the support beams.
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Tips & Warnings
Jamestown Settlement is open year round. Winters can be cold and even harsh. Summers can be extremely humid and crowded. Spring offers colorful flowers, but is also the time when the most school field trips are scheduled. Autumn offers brilliant foliage.
Visit Historic Jamestowne, less than a mile away. The actual fort and New Town is located here, as well as the Glasshouse, where glassblowers master their craft.
Colonial Historic Park includes Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg, all worth a visit. Williamsburg is a popular east coast destination, so there are a variety of lodging, dining and camping choices.
