Jamestown Exposition

The Jamestown Exposition was a 130-acre event at Sewell's Point near Norfolk featuring numerous buildings in Colonial and Georgian Revival styles constructed for the 1907 celebration. The grounds later served as the foundation for Norfolk Naval Base, with several original structures still visible within the military installation today.

The exposition opened on April 26, 1907, when President Theodore Roosevelt launched it to mark the 300th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in North America. After World War I, the site was converted into Norfolk Naval Base while retaining some original buildings.

Twenty-one states built separate exhibition buildings to showcase their regional history, industries, and traditions during the fair. These pavilions reflected the diversity and prosperity of each region and drew visitors from across the country.

The site is now part of an active military installation and cannot be visited like a typical historic district. Original buildings remain within the secured perimeter of the base and require special access or authorization to see.

In June 1907, an International Naval Review took place where warships from multiple nations gathered in Hampton Roads for presidential inspection. This rare assembly of foreign naval forces was a noteworthy diplomatic moment for the era.

GPS coordinates: 36.94964,-76.30914

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:26