Jamestown

History - In 1606, England’s King James I granted a charter to a group known as the Virginia Company, whose mission it was to establish an English settlement in the Chesapeake region of the New World. In 1607, three ships landed at Cape Henry, Virginia, and proceeded up the river to establish the first permanent English settlement in America. To honor the king who sent them, the explorers named the river the James, and the settlement Jamestown.

What to expect:
plan for a three to four hour visit, and make sure you wear comfortable shoes . The Historic site is about three-quarters of a mile long. There are shade trees and benches along some of the pathways. During the late spring and summer months the "air is alive with a buzz" according to the settlers, so bring some insect repellant. And bring sun screen and plenty of water. Tours last about 30 to 45 minutes and cover about 200 to 400 yards of the historic site. The park rangers and guides have been providing interpretive programs for many years and each gives a unique perspective on the history of Jamestown. Retrace the steps of Captain John Smith or Pocahontas as you walk with one of the guides.

Area’s of interest include the following:

•  Living History  a costumed interpreter portraying one of Jamestown's 17th century residents and hear of the trials, tribulations, successes and failures during Jamestown's 92 years as the social and political center of Virginia. Join such personalities as Rachel Stanton, John Rolfe, Gabriel Archer, Mrs. Richard Buck, or Lady Yeardley to travel back in time to when the foundations of who and what we are as a people and a nation were laid. Program times are generally 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Archeology tours - conducted daily at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  Tours begin at the Tercentennial Monument behind the Visitor Center. Join a Preservation Virginia volunteer or staff archaeologist on a 45-minute walking tour of the excavation site inside of the rediscovered 1607 James Fort. Learn about the history of the on-going Jamestown Rediscovery archaeological project.
• Glasshouse Jamestown was established by the Virginia Company of London in May 1607. Their 1606 charter, granted by King James I, outlined the many purposes and goals of the Company. But like all good companies, its primary duty was to provide a profitable return to the investors. One of the first English attempts at industrialization and manufacturing in America was glassblowing. The Company hoped glass production might provide the profit that it was looking for. The New World abounded with raw materials -wood for fuel and ash, and sand (silica) for the glass. All that was needed were artisans and various laborers to produce the glass. Arriving with Captain Christopher Newport on the second resupply in early October 1608, the Virginia Company of London sent eight Dutchmen (Germans) and Poles to produce glass, pitch, tar, and soap ash. By early December, Newport departed for England with "trials of Pitch, Tarre, Glass, Frankincense, Sope ashes, with what Clapboard and Waynscot that could be provided." However, what type or form of glass and how much was actually produced is unknown. This first attempt at a full glass production facility in the New World was not Later, in 1622, the Company would again attempt a glass-manufacturing operation with the importation of Italian glassblowers. This attempt also failed.  Later, in 1622, the Company again attempted a glass-manufacturing operation with the importation of Italian glassblowers. This attempt also failed.