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How else can you explain that millions of Americans languish under the falsehood that the first colonists settled at Plymouth, Massachusetts?
Truth is, Jamestown Virginia-- not Plymouth-- was the location of the first permanent English settlement in America (in 1607). In fact, they had a 13-year jump on those pesky Pilgrims.
Want to learn the true scoop of the history of Jamestown? Here's a link to an excellent, 8-minute video that tells about the founding of the colony. Watch the video, then come back to plan your tour. Be sure to look for three ships in the harbor: those are the recreated ships you can see on the Jamestown Settlement tour!
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The Susan Constant at Jamestown Settlement. Photo © 2009-2012 Sean Terretta |
If you're done watching the video, let's move on to the really important part...planning your visit. We'll show you everything you need to know...
- Which Attractions are Best for You?
- How to Save Money on Admission
- Directions, Maps, and Getting Around
- How to Get Discount Tickets to Local Attractions like Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg, and More
- Why You Should Take a Jaunt on the FREE Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
- A free "Jamestown Adventure" online game
With the focus on Jamestown's 400th anniversary a few years ago, and archaelogical artifacts being dug up everyday at the site of the original James Fort, there's been new info unearthed about the colony.
For example, check out this YouTube video on the truth behind Pocahontas (it's NOT what you think, and it's a far cry from the Disney version!).
Which "Jamestown" is Best for You?
Maybe it’s just us, but for some time we were really confused by this attraction. After all, there’s Historic Jamestowne, and then there’s Jamestown Settlement. “What’s the difference?” we wondered.
Here's the scoop...
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Photo © 2009-12 Sean Terretta |
Historic Jamestowne--
Run by the National Parks Service, this attraction is located on the original location of the colony.
It may be best for those who…
- Want to see artifacts and ruins of the original settlement and enjoy archaeological digs
- Don’t need or want re-enactments to enjoy history
- Want something a bit cheaper and less crowded than the Settlement
- Have slightly older kids (5 and up)
For all the details on visiting this historic attraction, click here.
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Photo © 2009-12 Sean Terretta |
Right next door, but more visual and hands-on than its historic neighbor, The Settlement gives you the "living history" perspective of the colony.
Talk to costumed guides in a replica of a Powhatan Indian village. Defend a replica of the fort from attackers. Climb on a replica of one of the ships that brought the colonists to the New World.
Click here for tips on visiting the Settlement...and saving on admission.
Want to try your hand an being a successful colonist, while learning more about Jamestown? Click here for the "Jamestown Adventure" Free Online Game.
Getting Discount Tickets to Busch Gardens, Best Cheap Restaurants, Campgrounds, & More Ways to Save
The Historic Triangle sights can get expensive. But there are ways to make your visit a little cheaper.
For example, did you know that if you buy a ticket to Historic Jamestowne you can get into Yorktown Battlefield for free, and vice versa?
If you're like most people, your visit to Jamestown Virginia will include a visit to one or more of the other local sights. Want to know how to visit Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Great Wolf Lodge, Water Country USA, and other local attractions for less?
Click here for links to discount tickets for Busch Gardens Williamsburg and other local sights.
Staying near Williamsburg? Here's the best things to do, plus how to save on food and hotels.
And here are some of the best campgrounds near Jamestown and Williamsburg.
Jamestown Virginia Directions & Getting Around
Jamestown Virginia is one point on the "Historic Triangle" it forms with Williamsburg and Yorktown. Just a ten-mile drive along the scenic Colonial Parkway from Williamsburg, it's also a short drive (depending on the traffic...about 23 miles) from Yorktown.
Keep in mind that at the height of the summer season, it can be slow (not slow by Los Angeles standards, but slow for Virginia). For round the clock traffic conditions, go to http://www.511virginia.org.
So why not take advantage of the free Historic Triangle Shuttle bus?
The Historic Triangle Shuttle provides service between Jamestown, Yorktown, and the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center. The service is available every 30 minutes between 9:00 a.m and 3:30 p.m. from April 1 to October 31. Riders can listen to an audio program describing the area’s natural and cultural history. Service is free of charge for ticket holders to any Historic Triangle attraction.
Jamestown Virginia Directions
Jamestown Virginia is located about a 30-minute drive west from Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, about 1-1/4 hour west of Norfolk International Airport, and about 60 minutes east of Richmond International Airport.
Here's a link to a Google Jamestown map.
Both attractions are located adjacent to each other in Jamestown, right at the foot of the James River, and just before you get to the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry.
Jamestown is just a short drive from (I-64). If you're coming from Richmond on I-64, head east and take Exit 234 (Lightfoot). Make a right turn onto Route 199 and follow it for 8 miles, then turn right at the second stop light onto Jamestown Road (Route 31). Go about 4 miles south on Jamestown Road.
For the Settlement, turn left at the Jamestown Settlement sign, onto Route 359. You'll be making a right into the museum parking lot. There is no charge for parking.
For Historic Jamestowne, follow the signs to make a left just before you get to the Settlement. Follow the signs for a 1/2 mile or so (passing the Glass House on your right) and make a right into the parking lot. Parking is free here too.
If you're traveling from the Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Hampton area, head west on I-64 and then take Exit 242A. Follow Route 199 for five miles, then make a left at the fourth stop light onto Jamestown Road. Then go 4 miles south until you see the signs for the Settlement and Historic Jamestowne.
Jamestown Settlement address: 2218 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg. Jamestown Settlement phone number: (757) 253-4838. Jamestown Settlement GPS coordinates: 37.225069,-76.786218
Historic Jamestowne address: 1365 Colonial Pkwy, Williamsburg. Historic Jamestowne phone number: (757) 229-9776.
Take a Free Jaunt on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
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Here's a little side excursion from Jamestown Virginia (just a stone's throw from the Settlement) that we like to do whenever we're in the area. It's fun, it's free, and you'll get a beautiful, peaceful view of the James River. For all the details, click here.
Return from Jamestown Virginia to Virginia Beach Family Vacation Getaway
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