Visiting Jamestown Settlement is as much of an adventure today as it was 400 years ago, when the European settlers established here the first permanent British colony in North America. Together with Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum that tells about the lives of the first colonists, as well as the Indigenous peoples who lived in this region before the British arrived.
Jamestown Settlement is an interesting weekend getaway if you are in Virginia. The Settlement is part of the Historic Triangle, a group of three colonial communities that also includes Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown.
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A Brief History of Jamestown – the First British Colony in North America
In 1607 three ships from England (Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery) carrying around 100 men, landed in the Virginia Peninsula. The settlers picked a site and named it Jamestown after their king, James I. Soon after they came ashore they started building a fort to protect themselves against the local Indians.
Half of the Jamestown settlers were craftsmen, soldiers, and laborers. Among them there was a tailor, a barber, and two surgeons. The other half were wealthy men who probably underestimated how difficult it would be to survive in the New World.
Despite their efforts to adapt to the harsh conditions, the settlers found themselves unable to cope with their new situation. The food they transported from England had spoiled, the water was unfit to drink, and soon after they settled in half of the colony population perished from disease.
Among the survivors was Captain John Smith, an adventurer and explorer who became one of the leaders of the colony. Despite the hardships, he kept the colony going by establishing a trade with the Indian tribe Powhatan.
But peace didn’t last very long and soon Captain Smith was captured by the Indians. They eventually released him at the intervention of Pocahontas, the Indian’s chief’s daughter, who pleaded with her father for the Captain’s life. Pocahontas later married a tobacco planter and eventually moved to England.
Visiting Jamestown Settlement vs. Historic Jamestowne
Jamestown Settlement is the more visual and interactive part of your visit, documenting the beginnings of the first British colony in America. Here you’ll see replicas of the three ships that arrived from England in 1607, as well as a replica of the fort and a Native Indian Village.
Historic Jamestowne on the other hand, is the actual site of the first British colony from 1607. Here is where you’ll walk into the footsteps of Pocahontas and Captain Smith and see the actual remains of James Fort. Also, here you’ll view the archeological site where thousands of artifacts from the first colony have been discovered.
What to Look For When Visiting Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement features a few interesting sites, among which the re-creation of the three ships that brought the English colonists to Virginia in 1607.
You can explore the ships and find out about their four-and-a-half months voyage from England. There are also demonstrations of the 17th century navigation.
Stepping aboard these ships is a very interesting experience. It’s chilling to see the miserable conditions these sailors endured below the decks. It was cold, damp and dark. You can only imagine the smell of the unwashed bodies, the snores , the coughs. Not a good place to be for 135 days!
You can also visit the replica of James Fort on the site. It’s very interesting to see how the settlers lived in the first half of the 17th century. The dwellings and the artifacts will give you an insight into the life of Jamestown during the first half of the 17th century.
Another interesting site to visit in the Jamestown Settlement is the Powhatan Indian Village. The village was designed based on archeological discoveries at an Indian site very close to Jamestown.
Before starting your visit, I suggest watching the introductory film that trace Jamestown Settlement’s beginnings and the first century of the Virginia colony. The movie also describes the Powhatan Indian, English and west central African cultures that merged in early Virginia.
What to Look For WhenVisiting Historic Jamestowne
In the Historic Jamestowne you’ll be taking a walking tour with a park ranger or an archeologist who will show you the remains of the fort as well as the archeological site.
The original fort had a triangular shape with circular watch towers. The construction was very basic, using indigenous trees stripped of branches and bark. Today’s replica reveals just a small part of the original structure.
Next to the fort you’ll see a bronze statue of Captain John Smith, one of the first settlers of Jamestown.
At the archeological site you’ll see carcasses of dogs, cats and horses presumed to have been consumed by the settlers during the “starving time.” Even more, in recent years some human bones have been discovered that seem to tell a far more gruesome story: the cannibalization of a 14-year-old English girl.
The archeological site also reveals remnants of the original Church at Jamestown, where Pocahontas was married.
The present day church (a.k.a. the Pocahontas Wedding Chapel) is a replica from 1906 which sits on the foundation of the original chapel. This is actually the fifth reconstruction, as the previous churches have either perished in the fire, or fell into ruin.
There is also an archeological museum at the Visitor Center that you can visit and a Glasshouse, where costumed glassblowers demonstrate Jamestown’s first industry.
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Practical Information for Visiting Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement is located at 2110 Jamestown Road, in Williamsburg, VA 23185.
The site is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Outdoor living-history areas open at 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The information below has been updated in 2020 to reflect the latest prices.
Admission Price and Hours of Operation
The site is open between 8:45am–4:30pm. Admission prices for Jamestown Settlement are $30.00/adults, while children 15 and under are free. Tickets are good for 7 consecutive days and include admission to Yorktown Battlefield. You can buy your combo ticket here.
The best deal is to buy a Historic-Triangle Ticket for $119.00 (adults) or $53.00 (children 6-15). This ticket grants you access to all three sites (Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, and Yorktown Battlefield) for seven consecutive days.
Parking for Jamestown Settlement is free.
Time Needed on the Site: You can visit both Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne in half a day. I suggest combining your visit with the next door Yorktown Battlefield, which is included in your ticket.
Where to Eat in Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown is a very small place with very few choices for food. We had lunch at Jamestown Settlement Café where they serve some sandwiches, soups and pizza, but the food is mediocre.
However, if you are not quite starving after visiting Jamestown Settlement, I’d suggest going back to Williamsburg where the food choices are far more numerous and much better. The driving is only 12-15 minutes.
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Raksha
Wow 400 years of history! Now, this is something that I love and would want to visit straight away. The Jamestown Settlement looks like a great place to dig into the past. I love reading about the history even if it is sad sometimes like the cannibalisation. But thanks for introducing me to this place.
Anda
Indeed a great place to dig into America’s history, Raksha!
Paula
Very interesting and historical place. These kind of places are usually on our travel map when we go somewhere. We have not been to Virginia yet, but hopefully we get to visit soon. I’m surprised they haven’t added Jamestown to National Park Historic Sites. It is certainly worth of treasuring and keeping up.
Anda
You are right, Paula. The Historic Triangle of Virginia is quite unique.
Yukti Agrawal
I love history and good to know about Jamestown as I have never heard this before. Jamestown Settlement really look like adventure today as it was 400 years ago, when the European settlers established here the first permanent British colony in North America. I would love to see history museum here which depict the first colonists and other useful stuff from that era. Also the story of Indian tribe Powahatan looks very interesting.
Cristina Thomas
Thanks for your very clear explanation about Jamestown Settlement vs. Historic Jamestowne. They really are distinct in their own ways! I didn’t see if you preferred one over the other? Which do you like better? If I only have one day to see both sites, which one should I go to first? Thanks for your tips and have a lovely Sunday!
Clarice
Wow! I had no idea about Historic Jamestowne but after you mentioned about Pocahontas, I am now interested to visit. It would be nice to see how the settlers lived. Thank you for sharing this post. We will definitely consider this during our future trips.
Jennifer Prince
I didn’t realize that they had replicas of the ships! I live in Virginia, and Williamsburg seems to get the most attention. I need to head to Jamestown next time – your photos make it look so beautiful, too!
Anda
The Historic Triangle of Virginia is really worth visiting.
ann
It is always exciting to visit historical sites and museums. I have not heard of Jamestown settlement before and it was very interesting to read your article. I get the impression that they have spent a lot of time recreating buildings and ships, which is great as it contributes to a more authentic and inspiring experience. Will definitely add Jamestown to my list of places to visit in the future.
Val
Visiting the Jamestown Settlement sounds like a fantastic history lesson! It’s the kind of place that would be interesting to both adults and young explorers. Being a sea lover, I guess that my favorite part would be venturing inside the recreations of the ships that brought the colonists to Virginia 🙂 I’m gonna take note of this place, thanks for sharing it!
Linda (LD Holland)
I am sure it is fascinating to learn more about the first settlers at the Jamestown Settlement. It certainly is a reminder of how hard it was for those who arrived early. Starting with the introductory film would certainly help with understanding what is available on the site. Like a good navy guy, Hubby would spend all of his time with those replicas of the first ships.
Jennifer Prince
I love how much history is in Virginia! I live in Lynchburg, which is central, and we have lots of Civil War history. Although, I love how much further back the heritage goes on the coast. I haven’t been to Jamestown in so long – I need to head back there soon!
Anda
Yea, I agree. Virginia is so rich in Civil War history.
Adele Gee
I did not know the existence of this place. What an interesting journey back in time . To visit with the ranger and archaelogists. I had no idea they maintained the site with the finds. That is gruesome indeed.
Melinda
The replicas of the ships sound really cool. Sailors are used to cramped conditions, but imagine being from one of the families traveling to the new world like this! Sounds like a fun place to go with kids.
Aradhana
Fascinating to read about the history of Jamestowne, dating back to 1607! I was definitely more intrigued by the Jamestowne Historic than the settlement, though stepping onboard the ship to relive the experience would be quite something. History can be gory at times, the cannibalization of a 14 year old girl is just so sad. I didn’t know about the cultural tracing of early Virginia to Powhatan Indian, English and West central African cultures, intriguing. I usually find it difficult to eat at historical places, so my pick there would be driving back to Williamsburg! Informative post..
Anda
Thanks for commenting, Aradhana.
Debra Schroeder
Who knew Pocahontas had other roles in US history? Seeing and exploring the wooden ship replicas would be fun. Great tip about watching the movie before exploring the settlement.
Suladys
I was surprised to hear that the previous churches have crumbled so many times due to fire or just fell to ruins! It’s incredible that they continue to rebuild it. This places sounds like such a beauty and mystery to visit with all of the history and space to learn!
Anda
Yea, I was surprised to hear that so many churches have crumbled too. It seemed strange and the only explanation can be that they weren’t properly built, hahaha!
Cecilia
I’m from Virginia and have never been to Jamestown (although I have been to Williamsburg) so I appreciate this post. It is crazy to see the replicas of the 3 ships that sailed from England. I would imagine any ship crossing the Atlantic now adays would be 5 times the size. The replicas of the ships, the English settlement and Powhatan’s village are a great way to visualize history and and put into perspective those stories we all learned in grade school about American history.
Anda
Yea, I was thinking the same thing: how could they cross the Atlantic in those small ships?
eileen g
On the road from Williamsburg to Jamestown there is a local place called the Chickahominy house. Old southern classics like chicken & dumplings, Brunswick stew and buttermilk pie served in a restaurant inside an antiques shop. we’ll be mentioning it in an upcoming blog. it’s worth a stop.
Anda Galffy
I should check it out next time I’ll be in the area.
Connie Reed
How interesting to find out the gruesome parts of history you don’t learn in school. We visited Colonial Williamsburg so long ago I don’t remember much about it but didn’t make it to Jamestown or Yorktown. We need to go back.
Jolanta aka Casual Traveler
What I liked the most about Jamestown was their extensive museum with lots of interesting artifacts and excellent explanation of the history of those times. I only wish my kids (who were quite little at that time) gave me more time to read all that information.
Jacqueline
Ahhhh! I am a middle school teacher, and I used to teach U.S. History. We studied Jamestown! How cool it would have been to bring my kids here!
Anda Galffy
This is a great experience for children, Jacqueline. At least you can tell them about it. Maybe the can visit with their families.
Amanda & Brian - Eat_Work_Travel
Jamestown looks to be a fun historical place! We had only been to Williamsburg as kids but hope to get back to the area now that we are adults and can appreciate the rich history of the region. We will certainly add Jamestown to the itinerary.
Anda Galffy
I’m sure it must have improved a lot since you were kids, Amanda. They change things for the better every year.
Eileen g
Great prep for our upcoming visit. Bookmarked it!
Stacey Valle
I really should go and visit this place! Pochatonas is my all time favorite Disney character growing up, and this would be an interesting place to learn the history of everything there!
Nicole
I really enjoyed this post. I have never been to Jamestown, but it looks like an interesting place to visit. I can’t wait to pass it along to others.