Jamestown, a place of many Beginnings

Come, walk in the steps of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas as we explore America"s beginnings. Here is where the successful English colonization of North America began.  Here is where the first English representative government met and where the first arrival of Africans to English North American was recorded in 1619. Jamestown, the Beginning of America.

Old Towne

Old Towne refers to the area of the triangular Jamestown Fort. Today archeologist have found all three corners and all three walls of that fort. New palisade walls have been erected over the archeological evidence and you can stand inside the fort, possibly where, according to the settlers, Pocahontas did cartwheels in the center of the square.

New Towne

New Towne designates the area to the east of James Fort. This is the area the settlers expanded into after the fort was no longer of use. New Towne is where the city of Jamestown sprang up. Here is were the first State House was built.  Here the populace built their homes and businesses. New Towne was the seat of government, of industry and of just plain living.

The Glasshouse

The Glasshouse is a modern version of what we believe the original Glasshouse of 1608 might have been like. Today modern glassblowers create glass objects like wine bottles, candle sticks, pitchers and paper weights. We are uncertain as to what the 1608 glassblowers produced. Watch as artisans produce fabulous glass items which you can purchase at the Glasshouse gift shop. No two pieces are exactly alike as each is hand-blown from molten glass.

Loop Drive

Walk, run, bike or drive the Jamestown Island Loop Drive.  This three and five mile one-way road through the forest and around the swamps of Jamestown is awe-inspiring in its wilderness view and majestic wildlife.  Eagles and other numerous birds, wild flowers, turtles, deer and various other mammals make one believe this is a place teaming with life.  Pull-offs and waysides along this roadway explain about the industries attempted by the early settlers to make a profit out of this wilderness. 

Directions

FROM WILLIAMSBURG

Take the Colonial Parkway towards Jamestown, again following it to its end. An Alternate route is to take Jamestown Road, Route 31, south towards the James River. Turn left just before the Jamestown Beach Campsite and follow the road around the Jamestown Settlement, a state living history park dedicated to Jamestown, Parking Lot until you come to a stop sign. Turn right onto the Colonial Parkway.  One hundred yards down the road is the Jamestown Entrance Station. Again, welcome to Jamestown.

FROM THE YORKTOWN AREA

Take the Colonial Parkway all the way to its end at the Jamestown Entrance Station.

 

Colonial National Historical Park Pass

Fees
$14 - 7 Days
$30 - 12 Months (Annual Pass)

Details:
Colonial National Historical Park includes Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield. Children 15 and under are free.

The seven-day pass fee is per adult and allows unlimited admittance for seven consecutive days to both Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield during regular operating hours.

The annual pass admits passholder and three accompanying adults unlimited admittance to both Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield during regular operating hours. Pass is valid for twelve months from the month of purchase.  Historic Jamestowne has a $5/person charge when the COLO Park Pass is used.

For More details please go to http://www.nps.gov/jame/