Our Trip to Jamestown

As soon as our two days in Williamsburg was complete, we quickly headed to Jamestown.

I had never been to Jamestown in my life.  And let me tell you that it is AMAZING. 

If you have little ones, like I do, then this is the place to visit!  It is smaller than Williamsburg, so there is a lot less walking.  The replica of the Indian village, colonial ships, and colonial fort is PERFECT for elementary school aged children. 

Truly, history came alive in this place!

And while pictures weren’t allowed, the museum is child friendly and very informative.

We waited for our tour by the map, walking the path from England to Jamestown.

The tour began at the Indian Village and included a lot of hands on stops.  The girls were able to try to clean a hide using oyster shells.

And we learned how Indians made rope.

And we checked out the cooking fire and pots.

Next we headed to the replicas of the three ships that brought the English to the Jamestown settlement.

3 ships.  104 English men.  No women.  No children.  At least not on the first voyage.  The men thought they would come on over, get rich and head back.

That wasn’t exactly how it happened though and more English came over to settle down instead.  In fact, at one point a boat with so many woman arrived that it was dubbed, “The Bride Boat.”

Let’s just say that the boat accommodations weren’t quite a cruise ship.

Then it was off to the Colonial Fort.

Completely recreated based on archeological digs.

After our tour, we ventured back to the various locations on our own to explore.

This little gal looked like she was at home here in the Indian Village.

After a little fun on our own, the girls each took a class.  K learned about the culture clash at Jamestown:  Indians, English, and Africans.  She learned a ton and continues to talk about it.

T learned more about the life of the Powhattan Indians.  Her class was wonderfully hands-on and educational. 

What a blast!  We loved Jamestown and I can’t wait to return sometime with the boys!