Jamestown is a historic town located in the state of Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1607 and is recognized as the first permanent English settlement in America. The town is situated on the banks of the James River and is home to several historic landmarks and attractions.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Jamestown is the Jamestown Settlement, which is a living history museum that tells the story of the town’s founding and early years. Visitors can explore recreated buildings, ships, and gardens, and experience what life was like for the early settlers.
Another must-visit attraction in Jamestown is the Historic Jamestowne site, which is where the original settlement was located. Archaeologists have been working on the site for many years, uncovering artifacts and uncovering the town’s history. Visitors can take guided tours and see the excavations in progress.
Jamestown is also home to several other historic sites and attractions, including the Jamestown Island Beach, the Jamestowne Glasshouse, and the Colonial National Historical Park. The town is a popular destination for history buffs, school field trips, and anyone interested in learning more about the early days of America. With its scenic location and fascinating history, Jamestown is a unique and important part of American heritage.

Jamestown, Virginia (Wikimedia)
To know more about Jamestown, let’s take a look at these 37 interesting facts about Jamestown.
- Jamestown was established on May 14, 1607, by the Virginia Company of London.
- The original settlement was located on an island in the James River.
- The settlers named the island Jamestown after King James I of England.
- The settlement was originally intended to find gold and other riches for the Virginia Company.
- The first permanent English settlement in America, Jamestown is considered the birthplace of America.
- Jamestown was the capital of Virginia from 1616 to 1699.
- Pocahontas, the daughter of Powhatan, the chief of the local Native American tribe, saved the life of John Smith, one of the original Jamestown settlers.
- John Rolfe, another Jamestown settler, married Pocahontas in 1614.
- Jamestown was the site of the first representative assembly in America, known as the House of Burgesses, in 1619.
- Jamestown was also the site of the first African slaves to arrive in America in 1619.
- The first Thanksgiving in America was celebrated in Jamestown in 1619.
- In 1622, the Powhatan Confederacy attacked the Jamestown settlement, killing over 300 colonists.
- In 1699, the capital of Virginia was moved from Jamestown to Williamsburg.
- The Jamestown Settlement is now a living history museum that tells the story of the early settlers.
- The Historic Jamestowne site is the location of the original settlement and is now an archaeological site.
- In 1907, the Jamestown Exposition was held to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown.
- The Jamestown Tercentennial Monument was built in 1907 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown.
- The Jamestown Island Beach is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
- The Jamestowne Glasshouse is a reconstructed glasshouse that demonstrates the art of 17th-century glassblowing.
- The Jamestown Rediscovery project began in the 1990s and has uncovered over 2 million artifacts.
- In 2019, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation celebrated the 400th anniversary of the first representative assembly in America.
- The original Jamestown fort was built in the shape of a triangle.
- The Virginia Company of London was a joint-stock company that was granted a charter by King James I to establish colonies in the New World.
- The Jamestown settlers initially struggled to survive due to disease, starvation, and conflicts with the local Native American tribes.
- The Virginia Company sent a second wave of settlers to Jamestown in 1608, including women and children.
- Jamestown was named a National Historic Site in 1940.
- The Jamestowne Church was built in the 17th century and is one of the oldest surviving churches in America.
- The Jamestown Settlement features a recreated Powhatan Indian village, a colonial fort, and replicas of the three ships that brought the settlers to America.
- The settlement was named after King James I of England, who granted the charter to the Virginia Company of London.
- Jamestown Island was designated a National Monument in 1940.
- The Jamestown Discovery Boat Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the James River and learn about the natural environment and wildlife.
- The Jamestown Visitor Center features exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the Jamestown settlement.
- The Jamestown Rediscovery project has uncovered the remains of the original Jamestown fort and over 1.5 million artifacts.
- Jamestown was established as a commercial venture, with the goal of finding gold and other valuable resources.
- Jamestown was largely forgotten until the 20th century when archaeological excavations began to uncover its remains.
- The remains of the original Jamestown fort have been found to be surrounded by a moat, providing insight into the early settlers’ defense strategy.
- Jamestown’s history has inspired many books, movies, and TV shows, including Disney’s Pocahontas and Terrence Malick’s The New World.
Jamestown is a place of great historical significance, being the site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Despite the challenges faced by the early settlers, including disease, starvation, and conflicts with Native Americans, Jamestown persevered and laid the foundation for the future of America. Through archaeological excavations, we continue to learn more about the people who lived and worked in Jamestown, and the artifacts they left behind provide a glimpse into their daily lives. Jamestown’s legacy continues to be celebrated in popular culture and serves as a reminder of the determination and resilience of those who came before us.