Jamestown Island, Historic settlement island in James City County, United States
This island in a coastal county was the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America. Across its roughly 1,561 acres spread archaeological sites, ongoing digs, and rebuilt structures that show how the early colonists lived.
English colonists founded their first permanent settlement here in 1607, building James Fort as their initial stronghold. This location became the foundation for English colonization in North America.
Archaeological digs here uncover objects from English settlers and the Paspahegh Native Americans who inhabited the region. These artifacts tell the story of two different peoples sharing the same land.
The island is accessible year-round through a scenic parkway and features trails and exhibits across the grounds. Wear comfortable walking shoes since exploring the sites requires movement across varied terrain.
The island started as a peninsula and was separated from the mainland by natural erosion in the early 1900s. This geological shift created an isolated landscape that now protects the historical remains.
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