Jamestowne, VA

Trip Day:	70	Latitude:	37°13.85 ' N	Locks Today:	0
Miles Today:	0	Longitude:	076°29.75 ' W	Locks Total:	8
Total Miles:	1,315	Location:	Yorktown VA / Riverwalk Landing

It began in 1607 when 100 men and 4 boys sailed up the river in search of the perfect spot to establish an English Settlement.  They chose an island accessible  by deep water with high banks  for defense.  The river they chose was later named the James River and the settlement became Jamestowne in honor of the king.  It is the oldest permanent English settlement in the North America.  

Archaeologists have been excavating the 1607 James Fort, cataloguing artifacts and unearthing grave sites as an ongoing project. The discovery of clay-filled original trenches dug for setting posts has allowed for replicated sections of the fort’s palisades (walls) and the barracks. 

 

The original church tower was still standing allowing for the   reconstruction of the church on the old foundation.  Tombstones from 1696 can be found in the church graveyard.

The Archaearium displayed the many artifacts that have been uncovered giving the viewer a glimpse of daily life.  One area yielded an earthen Indian pot which contained cooked turtle and the remains of the turtle shell, a knife and charred wood. 

It appears that fish hooks and lead weights have not changed in over 400 years.

As the archeologists excavated the original town well, they documented the level at which objects were found; including armor, pottery, tools, metal pots and jugs

Over and out for tonight.  .  . Williamsburg and Yorktown will complete the Historic Triangle tomorrow.