Settlement FAQs

is jamestown settlement worth the trip

by Dr. Phoebe Wolff Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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For us, Jamestown Settlement was worth visiting as we came away with a better understanding of the colony. Those who enjoy historical museums, re-creations, and period acting will likely also enjoy their visit. However, don’t worry if you feel it’s not for you. The original site at Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne is the cultural heritage site that was the location of the 1607 James Fort and the later 17th-century city of Jamestown. It is located on Jamestown Island, on the James River at Jamestown, Virginia and operated as a partnership between Preservation Virginia and th…

is just down the road.

Historic Jamestowne is known for being the site of the first colonial settlement in America, and this is why it's worth a day trip. A visit to Virginia's most historic locations can yield a wealth of information and give visitors an appreciation for on which the country was founded.Jun 30, 2021

Full Answer

Should you visit Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne in Virginia?

When visiting Virginia’s Historic Triangle area, you really should plan to add a day visiting Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne to your Colonial Williamsburg itinerary. Here’s what you should know when you visit Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne.

How do I get to Jamestown Settlement?

Your visit to Jamestown Settlement will start at the large visitor’s center. Once you purchase your tickets (or check in with your multi-site, multi-day pass) and pick up a map, you’ll be directed to the exhibit area. Start with the video that shows in the theater every half hour or so, “1607: A Nation Takes Root.”

What is the significance of Jamestown?

Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the site of the first permanent English settlement in the New World. From that tiny colonial foothold in North America came so much of the good (representative government) and the bad (slavery, conflict with Native Americans) that makes up American history.

What to do in Jamestown?

Archaeological discoveries they have made over the last 25 years are on display at the Voorhees Archaerium at Historic Jamestowne. Items there include coins, personal items, armor and even human remains. I highly recommend both visiting Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne if you can.

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How much time should I spend at Jamestown Settlement?

We recommend you plan at least two hours for your visit, but many visitors end up staying longer when they see how much history is actually here. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as the Historic site is about three-quarters of a mile long.

What do you do on the trip to Jamestown?

Visitor Center. Set the stage for your island exploration by watching a video about this land in 1607 and enjoying exhibits that fit Jamestown into a worldwide story. ... Footbridge. ... Wildlife. ... Tercentennial Monument. ... Angela Site. ... New Towne. ... Monuments. ... Pocahontas Statue.More items...

How much does it cost to visit Jamestown Settlement?

General Admission Rates – July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023Jamestown SettlementCombination Ticket (purchased on site)AdultsYouthAdults$18.00$9.00$30.00

What is the difference between Jamestown and Williamsburg?

Jamestown is where the first English settlement was established. Colonial Williamsburg is where the American Revolution first started. And Yorktown is where the British surrendered.

Can you do Yorktown and Jamestown in one day?

It's possible to do Colonial Williamsburg in one day and do one of the Jamestown and one of the Yorktown sites on the second day.

Can you walk around Jamestown for free?

There is no fee to walk around, however, you cannot go inside the buildings. We just walked around, but DID do Jamestown Settlement and it's sister museum in Yorktown (discount for doing both) and they were phenomenal! You go to the museums and then walk the grounds.

Is Yorktown worth visiting?

It was the site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War and is a waterfront town with battlefields, museums, living history programs, shops, restaurants and outdoor recreation opportunities. You can easily spend a whole day or weekend in Yorktown as there are plenty of things to see and do.

Whats the difference between historic Jamestown and Jamestown Settlement?

Historic Jamestowne is the location of the fort, originally settled in 1607. It is run by the National Park Service. The Jamestown Settlement is a privately-owned interpretive center. It is on Jamestown island but is not the site of the original fort.

How long is the Jamestown ferry ride?

approximately 15-20 minutesHow long is the ride on the ferry across the river? The ferry takes approximately 15-20 minutes to cross the river one way.

Can you do Jamestown and Williamsburg in one day?

You can do both Jamestown sites in one full day, but I would recommend at least two days in Colonial Williamsburg. Both Yorktown sites can be done in one day, but we could have easily spent more time at both the museum and battlefield.

Should I visit Yorktown and Jamestown?

As you make your plan, consider the driving time between sites, which can be up to 40 minutes. We recommend doing Yorktown and Jamestown in the same day, and then doing Colonial Williamsburg on its own day. Add another day if you want to cross the big bridge and visit Cape Charles and the peninsula.

Is Williamsburg worth visiting?

This historic city is a must-see for history buffs, children, and families alike. Colonial Williamsburg immerses visitors into 18th century life in Williamsburg VA. From re-enactments of pivotal events in history to tours of restored buildings, there is so much to see and learn in this iconic city.

What can you do at Jamestown for free?

But if you want to add an extra day to your stay by keeping your wallet closed, there are a host of fun free options.Take a hike. ... Hop on a bike. ... Ride the Yorktown Trolley. ... Visit a museum. ... Stop and smell the roses. ... Ride the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry. ... Take a Sunday drive any day. ... Hear some music.More items...•

Which is better Jamestown Settlement or Historic Jamestowne?

The biggest difference is historic jamestowne is the actual spot and ongoing archaeological dig, while Jamestown settlement is a living history museum with an expensive indoor museum and costumed staff who give you hands on learning about life of a colonist, a sailor on the three recreation ships, or a Powhatan Indian.

How long does it take to tour Colonial Williamsburg?

about two to three daysTo fully experience Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia you need about two to three days. With that, you can visit the all the shops, city sites and homes.

What time does Jamestown open?

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Discover the world of 17th-century Virginia, from the arrival of English colonists in Jamestown in 1607 to the cultural encounters and events that planted the seeds of a new nation, through gallery exhibits, films and outdoor living history. Open year-round 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Christmas and New Year's days.

When is Jamestown Settlement open?

Jamestown Settlement is open:Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMBuy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at leas...

Do you need to book in advance to visit Jamestown Settlement?

We recommend booking Jamestown Settlement tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours befo...

What hotels are near Jamestown Settlement?

Hotels near Jamestown Settlement: (4.17 mi) Williamsburg Sampler Bed and Breakfast (4.32 mi) A Williamsburg White House (5.08 mi) Fife and Drum Inn...

What restaurants are near Jamestown Settlement?

Restaurants near Jamestown Settlement: (3.20 mi) Duck Donuts Williamsburg (1.81 mi) Five Forks Cafe LLC (5.07 mi) Fat Canary (5.21 mi) Le Yaca Fren...

What attractions are near Jamestown Settlement?

Attractions near Jamestown Settlement: (0.00 mi) Jamestown-Scotland Ferry (0.16 mi) Billsburg Brewery (0.19 mi) Jamestown Discovery Boat Tour (0.19...

Where can I buy Jamestown Settlement tickets?

You can purchase Jamestown Settlement tickets ahead of time online or at the large Jamestown Settlement visitor center. There are a variety of multi-day and combination tickets available (some are “web only” specials). Historic Jamestowne tickets are good for seven consecutive days and also cover admission to Yorktown Battlefield at the other end of Colonial National Historical Park.

How to continue Jamestowne?

If you are so inclined, after you walk through Historic Jamestowne, you can continue your visit by doing the Island Drive. There’s a short loop and longer loop option, neither of which are very long. Both are clearly marked, just follow the signs from the Visitor Center parking lot. As you make your way around the island, interpretational signs will provide more information about what went on there.

How many ships were there at Jamestown?

Once you’ve had your fill of the Jamestown Settlement indoor exhibit galleries, you can make your way to the outdoor exhibits. There you’ll find re-creations of the three ships that brought 104 settlers to Jamestown, the Susan Constant, Discovery, and Godspeed. When we were there, all three ships were open for visitors to climb aboard and poke around. Living history interpreters answer questions about the ships and what the voyage may have been like.

What ships did the Jamestown settlers use?

They have full-scale models of the three ships that brought the first settlers to Jamestown (Susan Constant, Discovery and Godspeed) as well as re-creations of James Fort and a Powhatan village. Historical interpreters are on hand to answer questions about many aspects of what life was like at Jamestown, from cooking to weapons and armor.

How many times did the Ambler Mansion burn?

This ruin is all that remains of the Ambler Mansion. Originally built in about 1750, it burned three times before it was abandoned in the late 19th Century. Photo: Plan, Ready, Go

Where are the archaeological finds in Jamestown?

Archaeological discoveries they have made over the last 25 years are on display at the Voorhees Archaerium at Historic Jamestowne. Items there include coins, personal items, armor and even human remains. I highly recommend both visiting Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne if you can.

What was the first permanent English settlement in the New World?

Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the site of the first permanent English settlement in the New World. From that tiny colonial foothold in North America came so much of the good (representative government) and the bad (slavery, conflict with Native Americans) that makes up American history.

What is the Jmestown settlement?

Jmestown Settlement tells the story of 17th-century Virginia, from the arrival of English colonists in Jamestown in 1607 to the cultural encounters and events that planted the seeds of a new nation.

How long did it take to travel across the Atlantic?

Outdoors, climb aboard a re-creation of one of three 1607 ships to learn about the 144-day journey across the Atlantic. Hear a matchlock musket fire in the re-created 1610-14 fort to learn about the Virginia Company of London's 1610-14 military outpost.

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