Jamestown, Virginia is the site of the first permanent English settlement in the United States. Managed by the National Parks Service, it was founded in 1607 by the Virginia Company of London. Despite initial problems, the settlement thrived with the growth of tobacco. The National Parks Service completed its takeover in 1934 and visitors can see original structures and artifacts. In 2007, Jamestown celebrated its quadricentenary to recognize its rich history and culture.
Jamestown is a historic site located in the US state of Virginia. It is believed to be the site of the first permanent English settlement in the area now known as the United States, and as a result has special historical significance in the eyes of many Americans. Jamestown is managed by the National Parks Service, in partnership with several organizations working to preserve American history.
This settlement was founded in 1607 by representatives of the Virginia Company of London, a group of gentleman adventurers who were granted a charter by King James I, the settlement’s namesake. It is located on Jamestown Island, a place that would have been easy for settlers to secure and fortify.
From the beginning, Jamestown has been plagued by problems. The settlers were unfamiliar with the hostile climate and with the natives, who understandably disliked the displacement. Many of the settlers were unable to fend for themselves, being unfamiliar with farming and livestock management, and the settlers lacked many skills that would have been crucial. Even the settlers of Jamestown fought with each other.
However, the fortunes of the Jamestown settlement took a dramatic turn when settlers began growing tobacco, and by 1619 it was the capital of Virginia and a thriving site. However, by the end of the century, the capital was moved to Williamsburg and Jametown’s fortunes began to decline. The Civil War caused great damage, leading some people to believe that Jamestown might vanish entirely; so in the late 1800s, sections of Jamestown were acquired by private organizations and the government and conservation began.
In 1934, the National Parks Service completed its takeover of Jamestown and began a series of excavations at the site to uncover artifacts and restore it. Visitors today can see the original structures of the Jamestown settlement and can also see a large number of artifacts discovered in Jamestown. Many people who visit Jamestown also enjoy seeing Colonial Williamsburg, a meticulously historically accurate community that allows people to see what daily life would have been like in the colonial era.
In 2007, Jamestown hosted its quadricentenary, attracting visitors from around the world, including England’s Elizabeth II. The event was designed to draw attention to the rich history of Jamestown, previously seen as a largely failed settlement, and to recognize the diversity of the settlement’s history and culture.
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