Settlement FAQs

what to do at jamestown settlement

by Dr. London Ankunding Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Jamestown Settlement

  • Jamestown Settlement Ships. Exploring the Jamestown Settlement ships were probably my 6-year-old’s favorite part. ...
  • Powhatan Indian Village. You can also explore the Powhatan way of life in a re-created village featuring reed-covered houses, crops and a ceremonial circle of carved wooden posts.
  • TENACITY – Women of Jamestown and Early Virginia. ...

Full Answer

What are some good things that happened in Jamestown?

  • Jamestown colonists resorted to cannibalism.
  • Pocahontas probably never saved Captain John Smith's life.
  • Tobacco grown from smuggled seeds saved Jamestown.
  • Tobacco brought the first Africans to Jamestown.
  • Jamestown colonists executed a Catholic spy.

What were some problems in Jamestown?

What were some problems that the colonists in Jamestown faced? Hostile Indians, starvation, poor leadership, lack of government, cannibalism, lack of skills among colonists. Jamestown colonists were spoiled, and not prepared to work… they devoted their time and effort to looking for gold.

What really happened in Jamestown?

What really happened in Jamestown? The settlers of the new colony — named Jamestown — were immediately besieged by attacks from Algonquian natives, rampant disease, and internal political strife. In their first winter, more than half of the colonists perished from famine and illness. The following winter, disaster once again struck Jamestown.

What is the Starving Time of Jamestown?

“The starving time” was the winter of 1609-1610, when food shortages, fractured leadership, and a siege by Powhatan Indian warriors killed two of every three colonists at James Fort. In mid-August some of the ships arrived at Jamestown with 300 colonists and few supplies.

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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...

Is Jamestown Settlement worth visiting?

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.

How long does it take to tour 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.

How much does it cost to visit Jamestown Settlement?

General Admission Rates – July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023Jamestown SettlementCombination TicketAdultsYouthAdults$18.00$9.00$30.00

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.

Which is better Jamestown Settlement or historic Jamestown?

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.

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.

Do you have to pay to walk around Colonial Williamsburg?

While you do not need a ticket to walk around the city, guests must purchase a ticket to enter buildings, participate in events, go on tours, and explore other areas of the historic Williamsburg grounds.

Is it free to visit Jamestown?

As a local resident, your free admission includes general admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, including daytime special events and special exhibitions. Separate ticketed programs do not qualify for free admission.

Can you walk around historic 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.

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.

What is free at Jamestown?

Free admission includes general admission and special exhibitions at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Separate ticketed programs do not qualify for free admission. Learn more and visit the two museums!

Why should you visit Jamestown?

Together with Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum that tells about the lives of the first colonists, as well as the Indigenous peoples who lived in this region before the British arrived. Jamestown Settlement is an interesting weekend getaway if you are in Virginia.

Is everything open at the Jamestown Settlement?

Colonial National Historical Park is open daily, year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 25th, and January 1st. On these days the gate and all park buildings and grounds on Jamestown Island will be closed to visitor access.

What time does Jamestown open?

Open year-round 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Christmas and New Year's days.

What time does Williamsburg Open?

Colonial Williamsburg Hours The majority of Colonial Williamsburg buildings, activities, and landmarks are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Which are the best experiences near Jamestown Settlement?

These are the best experiences near Jamestown Settlement:Full-Day Tour in Washington DCWilliamsburg Ghosts, Witches and Pirates TourGhost Tour of W...

Which places are best for gift & specialty shops near Jamestown Settlement?

These places are best for gift & specialty shops near Jamestown Settlement:(4.87 mi) Silver Hand Meadery(5.11 mi) The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg(5...

What are the most popular things to do near Jamestown Settlement?

The most popular attraction types near Jamestown Settlement are:Gift & Specialty ShopsPoints of Interest & LandmarksHistoric SitesArt GalleriesSpas...

What else is there to do near Jamestown Settlement?

Discover over 369 restaurants near Jamestown SettlementDiscover over 498 hotels near Jamestown SettlementDiscover over 225 things to do near Jamest...

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 to do after leaving the theater?

After you leave the theater, you’ll want to spend some time reviewing the exhibits in the galleries especially if you’re the kind of person who’s interested in myth busting. You’ll learn more about what life was really like for the English settlers, the native Powhatans (including Pocahontas) and those first Africans who were enslaved and forced to come to the New World.

What does the historic settlement give you?

4) The historic settlement itself gives you a feel for how people lived their daily lives, caught and grew food, delt with seasonal weather conditions and delt with visitor and invaders alike. Amazing to see how the first Europeans tried to survive and thrive in a new and very harsh land.

What are the parts of the Indian settlement?

There are two parts to the settlement. The first is a museum of the history of the area . The second is a reenactment of the actual settlement. there is an Indian village with people working the fields and making pottery. a woman gave us a detailed explanation of the houses. Then there is a fort where the colonists lived with several building to tour and craftsmen making leather and tin goods. Finally there are several ships that can be toured. We were lucky enough to see a demonstration of men climbing the masts to fix the sails. After that we toured the museum and saw many artifacts. Make sure you take about 3 hours to see all of this wonderful site.

Is Jamestown a good place to live?

Jamestown is an awesome place for both adult and kids!

Do you have to pay admission to visit Jamestown?

4) The two sites are nearby each other but, you must pay two admissions to visit each. The historic Jamestowne site is more for adults and the older crowd as it's truly a step back in our history and you should be into the past to get a feel for all that you will see and experince. It's visual - less hands on. The modern site and re-creations at The Jamestown Settlement are best for families and kids as they have hands on exhibits and villages and projects that keep the kids attention.

Is it easy to drive from Williamsburg to Jamestowne?

1) It was easy to drive from Williamsburg down to Jamestowne. Quick roads, easy signage and prompt parking and check-in across from the site.

Does the Colonial Highway have turn offs?

The Colonial Highway has turn offs along the way , with information about the sites in the area. We stopped at all the turn offs on our way back to Williamsburg.

Can you cancel a Jamestown settlement tour?

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 before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Jamestown Settlement tours on Tripadvisor

plan your visit

Explore this interactive map to learn about all of the things to see and do at Historic Jamestowne, from visiting the Archaearium museum to seeing an active excavation.

tours & programs

Explore the James Fort site with an archaeologist who has troweled the ground, a Park Ranger who has studied the stories, or an educator who can bring the past to life.

family activities

Learn more about the fun and educational programs for our younger visitors.

hours & schedule

Find current operating hours and see what programs are offered this week.

events calendar

Check for upcoming living history events and other special days on the island.

When was Jamestown abandoned?

Jamestown Abandoned. In 1698, the central statehouse in Jamestown burned down, and Middle Plantation, now known as Williamsburg, replaced it as the colonial capital the following year. While settlers continued to live and maintain farms there, Jamestown was all but abandoned.

How many ships arrived in Jamestown in 1610?

In the spring of 1610, just as the remaining colonists were set to abandon Jamestown, two ships arrived bearing at least 150 new settlers, a cache of supplies and the new English governor of the colony, Lord De La Warr.

What was the impact of Pocahontas' death on the Native Americans?

Pocahontas’ death during a trip to England in 1617 and the death of Powhatan in 1618 strained the already fragile peace between the English settlers and the Native Americans. Under Powhatan’s successor, Opechankeno, the Algonquians became more and more angry about the colonists’ insatiable need for land and the pace of English settlement; meanwhile, diseases brought from the Old World decimated the Native American population. In March 1622, the Powhatan made a major assault on English settlements in Virginia, killing some 350 to 400 residents (a full one-quarter of the population). The attack hit the outposts of Jamestown the hardest, while the town itself received advance warning and was able to mount a defense.

What were the problems that the settlers faced?

The settlers left behind suffered greatly from hunger and illnesses like typhoid and dysentery, caused from drinking contaminated water from the nearby swamp. Settlers also lived under constant threat of attack by members of local Algonquian tribes, most of which were organized into a kind of empire under Chief Powhatan.

What did the Native Americans trade for?

Though skirmishes still broke out between the two groups, the Native Americans traded corn for beads, metal tools and other objects (including some weapons) from the English, who would depend on this trade for sustenance in the colony’s early years.

What was the name of the new settlement in England?

Known variously as James Forte, James Towne and James Cittie, the new settlement initially consisted of a wooden fort built in a triangle around a storehouse for weapons and other supplies, a church and a number of houses. By the summer of 1607, Newport went back to England with two ships and 40 crewmembers to give a report to the king and to gather more supplies and colonists.

What was the first permanent English settlement in America?

pinterest-pin-it. Settlers landing on the site of Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in America. MPI/Getty Images. After Christopher Columbus ’ historic voyage in 1492, Spain dominated the race to establish colonies in the Americas, while English efforts, such as the “lost colony” of Roanoke, met with failure.

How long are tickets good for at Yorktown Battlefield?

ticketing policy. Tickets are good for seven consecutive days and include admission to Yorktown Battlefield. Online tickets are non-refundable. To redeem your ticket, provide your name and the order number found on your email confirmation to one of our Visitor Services Associates upon arrival.

Is Jamestowne a national park?

Historic Jamestowne, part of Colonial National Historical Park, is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation (on behalf of Preservation Virginia). Tickets are good for 7 consecutive days and include entrance to the James Fort Site, New Towne, the Archaearium Museum, the Glasshouse, ...

Can you purchase reduced admission tickets for NPS?

Purchasing Options: Reduced admission tickets for NPS pass holders and veterans may be purchased in advance by selecting the “NPS pass holder” option in our Online Tickets portal below or upon arrival at the Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center. A valid National Park pass or Veteran ID must be shown at time of entry.

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