Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement is on SR 31 adjacent to Historic Jamestowne. This living-history museum was established in 1957 to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Jamestown’s founding. An introductory film, “1607: A Nation Takes Root,” and galleries displaying 17th-century artifacts trace the first century of the Virginia colony and its origins in England as well as the influence of the Powhatan Indian, English and west-central African cultures in the colony’s development. A 4D experiential theater tells the 1676 story of Bacon's Rebellion. Costumed historical interpreters provide a glimpse of life during the early 1600s at three outdoor living-history areas. Within the palisade of re-created James Fort are wattle-and-daub buildings, including a church, the governor’s house, a storehouse and an armory. Visitors can climb aboard a replica 17th-century sailing vessel on the James River, where the Discovery, Godspeed and Susan Constant are moored. A re-created Powhatan Indian village, with several houses, a crop field and a ceremonial circle of carved wooden posts, is based on archeological findings and eyewitness accounts of the period. Food is available. Time: Allow 2 hours minimum.