How to Visit Jamestown, Virginia
- 1). Research the history of Jamestown prior to arrival. This is the land of Pocahontas and John Smith. Note the difference between historical fact and legend.
- 2). Use the map of Virginia and note that Jamestown is more than 150 miles southeast of Washington, D.C. Because of the commercialism of Colonial Williamsburg, and with Virginia Beach and Norfolk nearby, there are plenty hotel accommodations to choose from.
- 3). Visit Jamestown first. Surely a visit to Colonial National Park will also require experiencing Williamsburg and Yorktown, respectively in historical chronological order, but Jamestown was first and encourages the first visit.
- 4). Approach Jamestown from across the James River. An auto ferry will transport visitors across the river and the town will come into view, a resemblance of how the original settlers saw it. Take Exit 61A off I-95, south of Richmond. State Highway 10 will take you through Hopewell and Garysville. Turn left on Highway 31 toward the town of Scotland and the ferry dock. If not interested in this alternate route, I-64 out of Richmond is much faster.
- 5). Arrive at the Jamestown dock and notice the seventeenth century ships anchored in Sandy Bay. For a nominal fee, you can visit the ships and the surrounding grounds, where artisans and volunteers recreate life at the early settlement.
- 6). Follow the directional signs to Jamestown. Notice Jamestown Settlement to the right. This mall-like structure is a fascinating place; an indoor visitor center and museum that depict early Jamestown and Native American life. There is a fee.
- 7). Turn right on Colonial Parkway and notice the Jamestown Glasshouse at the next turn-out. A large building with a thatched roof houses intensively hot ovens. This working glasshouse has blowers which mold vintage wares. The end products are for sale in the shop.
- 8). Continue right toward the park entrance, pay the fee and park. Visit the Archaearium first. This archaeological museum at the settlement’s north side actually exposes, through a glass floor, early foundational evidence of the town’s existence. Note the grave markers outside.
- 9). Walk along the river embankment to James Fort. This reconstructed area is only partially restored and gives an idea of the fort's shape and capacity.
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Explore Memorial Church, obviously part of New Town, and note the Tercentenary Monument and statues honoring both John Smith and Pocahontas. - 11
Walk along the park-like avenues of New Town. Several narrow passages are connected by side streets and defined by the shells of two-story brick homes, chimney and foundations, or sometimes only mounds, yet all evidence of a later prosperity. - 12
Take the Island Drive and explore the marshes and swamps. A well maintained one-way road takes visitors to the south shore and includes a dozen historical points of interest.
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