Historic Jamestowne, established in 1607, is the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America.
Early in American history, Jamestown flourished as a commercial, religious, and political
center for the new colony of Virginia. Only
one aboveground structure remains from the
17th century, but preservation and interpretation of the island's historic setting enable
modern visitors to sense the struggles of this
tiny European community on the edge of
what the settlers perceived as a great wilderness.
Park facilities that serve Jamestown visitors
include a visitor center, which provides
information and interpretation as well as
museum displays and a film illustrating the life and
times of settlers; pedestrian paths through the
site of the original town; and an auto tour
route through the more remote parts of the
1,500 -acre island. The ruins of the original
Jamestown glass factory are preserved just
west of the present entrancegate.
Historic Jamestowne, part of Colonial National Historical Park, was established
in 1930 by congressional legislation for the
preservation of the park's historic structures
and remains for the benefit and enjoyment of
the people.
