Join the festivities at Jamestown Settlement on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as we commemorate the 418th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown—the first permanent English settlement in North America.
🛶 The Historic Voyage of 1607
In May 1607, three ships—the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery—arrived on the shores of the James River, carrying 105 settlers. Of these, 104 men and boys disembarked to establish the colony under the authority of the First Charter of Virginia, granted by King James I. This charter laid the foundation for English colonization in the New World.
🎉 Jamestown Day Highlights
Experience a day filled with engaging activities and demonstrations that bring history to life:
- 10:00 a.m. – Godspeed Sets Sail: Witness the Godspeed depart from the ships’ pier, showcasing 17th-century sailing maneuvers on the James River. An artillery salute will signal its departure. (Weather permitting)
- 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. – Musket Demonstrations: At James Fort, learn how matchlock muskets were loaded and fired, a critical defense mechanism for early colonists.
- 11:00 a.m. – Supplying the Colony: Assist sailors in unloading essential cargo from the Discovery, understanding the logistics of sustaining the colony.
- 12:00 p.m. – Defending the Colony: Participate in drills as musketeers, pikemen, and targeteers, simulating the defense strategies against potential threats.
- 1:00 p.m. – Navigation Techniques: Discover how English sailors navigated the seas using celestial methods during a “noon sighting” demonstration. (Weather permitting)
- 2:00 p.m. – Bounty of the Chesapeake: Explore the fishing techniques and seafood preparation methods of the Powhatan people during spring.
- 3:00 p.m. – Sail Handling: Engage in hands-on activities, learning how to manage sails—a vital skill for 17th-century mariners. (Weather permitting)
- 4:00 p.m. – Artillery Drill: Join a 17th-century artillery crew and witness the firing of historical weaponry. (Weather permitting)
🏛️ Explore the Living History Areas
Enhance your understanding of early American history through immersive experiences:
- Paspahegh American Indian Village: Interact with interpreters demonstrating the daily life, culture, and traditions of the Powhatan people.
- Recreated 1607 Ships: Board full-scale replicas of the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, gaining insight into the transatlantic journey of the settlers.
- James Fort: Step into a re-creation of the original fort, observing the living conditions, fortifications, and survival strategies of the colonists.
🧭 Enhance Your Visit with a Private Guided Tour
For a more in-depth and personalized experience, consider booking a private guided tour with Best Williamsburg Tours. Our knowledgeable guides provide detailed narratives and historical context, bringing Jamestown’s story vividly to life.
🎟️ Plan Your Visit
Jamestown Settlement is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission tickets can be purchased online or at the museum. Residents of James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.
Celebrate the enduring legacy of Jamestown and immerse yourself in the stories that shaped the foundation of America.
