Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Archaeological site · Williamsburg, Virginia
Historic Jamestowne
The site of the first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607, with excavations of the fort, the rebuilt church and an archaeological museum.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Historic Jamestowne
In May 1607, about a hundred English colonists landed on an island of the James River and built a triangular wooden fort, James Fort. It was the first permanent English settlement in North America, and there, in 1619, the colony’s first representative assembly met and the first recorded enslaved Africans arrived in English Virginia.
For a long time it was believed the fort had been lost to the river. Excavations begun in 1994 found remains of palisades, wells, houses and millions of artifacts. Archaeological work continues, and on some days visitors can see researchers at work.
The Archaearium, the site museum, displays objects found in the excavations and explains colonists’ lives and their relations with the Powhatan peoples. The brick tower of the 17th‑century church still stands, beside a reconstruction of the church.
The site is managed jointly by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia, as part of Colonial National Historical Park.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours.
Best time
From spring to autumn, in the morning. Excavations usually take place in the warmer months.
How to get there
It’s at the end of the Colonial Parkway, about 15 km from Williamsburg, with parking next to the visitor center. Jamestown Settlement is nearby on the same road.
Tip
Admission is charged separately and is different from Jamestown Settlement; there are combination tickets with Yorktown. National park annual passes are accepted.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Historic Jamestowne
What is Historic Jamestowne?
The archaeological site of the English fort of 1607, the first permanent English settlement in North America, with a museum and excavations.
Are Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement the same thing?
No. Historic Jamestowne is the original site; Jamestown Settlement is a museum with replicas, about 2 km away.
Can you see the excavations at Jamestown?
On many days, yes, especially in the warmer months when archaeologists are working at the fort site.