Island Osprey, Jamestown Island, Virginia

This osprey surveys his domain from the middle of the James River, just off Jamestown Island, the site of the first permanent English settlement in the New World.

Glasshouse, Jamestown Island, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Glasshouse on Jamestown Island produces hand-blown glass products using similar processes as those used by the early settlers who tried a variety of activities in order to turn a profit.

The Jamestown Fort, Williamsburg, Virginia

The English flag flies over the site of the original 1607 fort on Jamestown Island. The perimeter has been identified except for that portion lost to erosion along the banks of the James River.

Pocahontas, Historic Jamestown, Williamsburg, Virginia

Pocahontas stands vigil outside the walls of the fort at Historic Jamestown. She is fabled to have saved John Smith from her father's effort to kill him and married John Rolfe. She died in England and, as we understand, another of this statue stands in Graves End, England, looking back at this one.

The Graves, Historic Jamestown, Virginia.

The interior of the original Jamestown settlement is marked by a number of crosses showing burial sites. When things were not going well with the Native Americans and there numbers were quickly dwindling from illness and supply shortages, the settlers buried their dead inside the fort so the Native Americans would not know how few remained.

Digging Historic Jamestown, Virginia

Historic Jamestown, site of the first permanent English settlement in the United States in 1607, is an active archaeological dig location. Visitors can watch the work as history is uncovered.

Easter Sunrise Service, Historice Jamestown, Virginia

In the early morning chill, at the site of the original fort built by the 1607 settlers, we took part in an Easter Sunrise Service yesterday. The event is presented by a group of local clergy and included singing and an excellent message for the several hundred people gathered for the service.

Captain John Smith, Jamestown Island, Virginia

Captain John Smith stands watch over the James River at the location of the original 1607 settlement.

Island Deer, Jamestown Island, Virginia

A large deer herd inhabits Jamestown Island, the original site of the fort built by the 1607 settlers. Much of the island is wooded and food is abundant. Deer are almost visible at the historic site in late afternoon and early evening hours. This fawn nibbled near the woods while momma kept an eye on tourists, particularly those with cameras.

Ebb And Flow, Jamestown Island, Williamsburg, Virginia

 

The ebb and flow of the tide in the James River makes this spot beautiful and unpredictable. The "Island Drive" on Jamestown Island provides a three or five mile drive, ride, walk or run through the woods and over the marshes. The site in the photo is "Black Point" at which you can leave the paved road and walk to the river's edge. Depending on the tide, you will have a large or small beach to navigate. This is about the midway of the tides. Eagles, osprey, deer, turkey and other residents are often seen on the drive.

Beautiful Glasshouse Hand-Blown Products, Jamestown Island, Virginia

A few days ago, we featured a photo of the glasshouse on Jamestown Island; an attempt to make money in the new colony in the 1600's.  These are some of the beautiful results of the artisans who work there today, demonstrating the craft.

Glasshouse, Jamestown Island, Williamsburg, Virginia

The Virginia Company settlers who arrived in 1607 were tasked to find ways to establish money-making industries for the investors. In 1608, German and Polish artisans arrived to set up a glasshouse. This is the replica of that facility, which produces a number of blown glass items for sale. We will feature some of them in an upcoming post.

Scenic Waterways, Williamsburg, Virginia

We took this photo of bald cypress trees in one of the tidal waters around Jamestown Island. There is a large nest on the small tree to the right. We could not tell if it was an eagle or osprey. The Colonial Parkway is visible in the background.

Irises On The Island, Jamestown Island, Williamsburg, Virginia

Beautiful irises sprout among the footprint of what was Jamestown in the 1600's.  They make a beautiful Mother's Day bouquet.

Happy Mother's Day!

Shades of Green, Williamsburg, Virginia

This marsh on Jamestown Island is awash in greens sprouting from the tidal waters.

Pocahontas Statue, Jamestown Island, Williamsburg, Virginia

 

This statue of Pocahontas, also known as Matoaka, is a popular photo spot. Visitors to Jamestown Island hold her hands while they pose, as the shiny brass shows. Pocahontas married John Rolfe and traveled to England, where she died. She is buried a St. George's Church, Gravesend, England. The Governor of Virginia presented a reproduction of this statue to the church in 1958. Recently, the marriage of Pocahontas and Rolfe was reenacted at Jamestown Island.

1607 Character, Historic Jamestowne, Virginia

We passed this costumed interpreter wondering near Historic Jamestown, the site of the original settlement and fort.

Worth Of A Well, Historic Jamestown, Williamsburg, Virginia

Wells are for water, except in the eyes of an archaeologist. This well at the site of James Fort/Jamestown was a history treasure trove. Colonists threw garbage in wells that were no longer useful, creating a concentrated area of artifacts.

Long House, Historic Jamestown, Jamestown Island, Williamsburg, Virginia

Historic Jamestown, site of the actual 1607 fort and settlement, has a skeletal depiction of the fort and this long house.  Archaeological digs continue on the site where new artifacts are routinely uncovered. The digs can be viewed during your tour.

Jamestown Island Church, Jamestown, Virginia

 



Sun pours into the Jamestown Island Church lighting the way for would-be worshippers.