National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Historic JamestowneSidney King painting of the building of James Fort in 1607
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Historic Jamestowne
Plan Your Visit
 

Welcome to Historic Jamestowne, site of the first permanent English colony in North America. Jamestown is a place of many beginnings representing the very foundations of whom and what we are as a people and a nation. There were other European settlements in America before Jamestown, but our language, the majority of our customs and our laws come from our English ancestry. Jamestown is the beginning of America.

We recommend you plan at least two hours for your visit, but many visitors end up staying longer when they see how much history is actually here. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as 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 during the summer months as temperatures are often in the high 90's but seem like the 100's when you crank in the humidity.

The only eating facility we have available is the Dale House Cafe.  For operating hours and a schetch menu link to our "Where to Eat" web page.

park ranger providing a guided tour
Tours and Programs
Discover what tours and programs are available during our visit
more...
Ranger demonstrating how to start making a pinch pot
For Kids
Check out the different programs specifically designed for our younger visitors
more...
St,\. Maries Citty militia demonstrating the firing of matchlock muskets
Special Events
Learn what special events are taking place at the park
more...
Painting by Sidney King representing settlers searching for medicinal plants  

Did You Know?
The botanical sassafras was at one time worth its weight in gold as a medicinal plant. It was an early Jamestown export. In modern times it has been used to flavor root beer.

Last Updated: December 21, 2008 at 15:27 EST