Jamestown National Historic Site

Jamestown National Historic Site
Image credit: picture by Ken Lund licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Jamestown National Historic Site, located in Virginia, is home to the first permanent English settlement in North America. Situated on Jamestown Island, at the confluence of the James River and the Chesapeake Bay, the site holds significant historical importance.

Jamestown was founded in 1607 by English colonists sent by the Virginia Company of London. The settlement faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with indigenous tribes, famine, and disease. However, it played a crucial role in shaping American history as it served as the capital of the Virginia Colony for more than 90 years.

Visitors to Jamestown National Historic Site can explore the remains of the original settlement through excavated archaeological sites. The Visitor Center offers exhibits that tell the story of Jamestown and its settlers, showcasing artifacts recovered from the site. A film detailing the struggles and triumphs of the colony is also available to watch.

For a more immersive experience, guests can participate in guided tours led by National Park Service rangers. These tours delve into the historical context of Jamestown and provide insights into the lives of the settlers. Additionally, the site features replicas of some of the original structures, including the Jamestown Memorial Church.

Jamestown National Historic Site is surrounded by other attractions that offer a deeper understanding of early American history. A short drive away is Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that recreates an 18th-century colonial town. The nearby Yorktown Battlefield, where the decisive battle of the American Revolution took place, is also worth exploring.

In summary, Jamestown National Historic Site in Virginia showcases the birthplace of English colonialism in North America. Visitors can learn about the challenges and achievements of the settlers through archaeological remains, exhibits, and guided tours. The site's proximity to other historical attractions such as Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown Battlefield enhances the overall experience.

Location

Jamestown National Historic Site is located in the southern region of the state of Virginia, along the banks of the James River. Situated approximately 40 miles northwest of the capital city of Richmond and about 50 miles southeast of Williamsburg, the site occupies a peninsula known as Jamestown Island. Surrounded by picturesque waterways, including the confluence of the James River and the Chickahominy River, this historic location offers visitors a serene and tranquil setting. This strategic geographic location played a significant role in the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in North America, providing access to the Atlantic Ocean and a natural defense against potential threats.

Address & Contact

1368 Colonial Parkway
Jamestown, VA 23081
Driving Directions
Phone: 7578982410
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Jamestown National Historic Site would be from April to October. The average maximum temperatures range from 70°F in April to 89°F in July, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperatures range from 48°F in April to 70°F in July, ensuring comfortable conditions throughout the day. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation varies between 4.3 in April and 5.6 in August, indicating manageable amounts of rainfall during this period.

Things to do and learn in Jamestown National Historic Site

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Jamestown National Historic Site are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Living History First Person Interpretation

Topics

Learn about these topics at Jamestown National Historic Site: Archeology

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center

Welcome to Historic Jamestowne! Your visit to Historic Jamestowne can be made more enjoyable and memorable with a little advanced planning and knowledge. This can often make the difference between a good visit and a great visit.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Jamestown National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Jamestown National Historic Site

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Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Williamsburg East (Busch Garde

With a stay at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Williamsburg East (Busch Gardens), VA in Williamsburg, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Carter's Grove Plantation & Park and Quarterpath Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Williamsburg? This hotel has facilities measuring 400 square feet (37 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7135 Pocahontas Trl, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Web: Link

Economy Inn and Suites

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Address: 15237 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, Virginia 23608
Web: Link

Hampton Inn & Suites Williamsburg-Richmond Rd.

Located in Williamsburg, Hampton Inn & Suites Williamsburg-Richmond Rd. is in the business district, a 4-minute walk from Ripley's Believe It or Not! and within a 5-minute drive of Williamsburg Premium Outlets. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1880 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Web: Link

The Mulberry Inn and Plaza at Fort Eustis

Located in Newport News (North Newport News), The Mulberry Inn and Plaza at Fort Eustis is within a 5-minute drive of Fort Eustis and U.S. Army Transportation Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. This hotel has 3 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 16890a Warwick Blvd, Newport News, Virginia 23603
Web: Link

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Williamsburg Historic Area, VA

A stay at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Williamsburg Historic Area, VA places you in the heart of Williamsburg, within a 5-minute drive of Ripley's Believe It or Not! and Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 400 Bypass Rd, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Web: Link

George Washington Hotel Busch Gardens

Located in Williamsburg, George Washington Hotel Busch Gardens is within a 5-minute drive of Colonial Williamsburg and Quarterpath Park. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Williamsburg? This hotel has facilities measuring 20000 square feet (1858 square meters), including a conference center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 500 Merrimac Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Web: Link

Comfort Inn Newport News/Williamsburg East

Located in Newport News (North Newport News), Comfort Inn Newport News/Williamsburg East is within a 5-minute drive of Fort Eustis and U.S. Army Transportation Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Newport News? This hotel has facilities measuring 500 square feet (45 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 16890 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, Virginia 23603
Web: Link

Motel 6 Newport News, VA - Fort Eustis

With a stay at Motel 6 Newport News, VA - Fort Eustis in Newport News (North Newport News), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Fort Eustis and U.S. Army Transportation Museum. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 15540 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, Virginia 23608
Web: Link

Fort Eustis Inn

Located in Newport News (North Newport News), Fort Eustis Inn is within a 5-minute drive of Fort Eustis and U.S. Army Transportation Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 16924 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, Virginia 23603
Web: Link

Monticello at Powhatan Apartments

When you stay at Monticello at Powhatan Apartments in Williamsburg, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Williamsburg National Golf Club and Busch Tennis Courts. Featured amenities include a business center and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3500 Carriage House Way, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2024-07-11Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway continues with additional Parkway closures
Beginning Tuesday, April 9, 2024, construction will close the Colonial Parkway to all travel in either direction between Yorktown and VA Route 199. Follow all detour signs. See additional closure information in the link below. More
2024-06-08Jamestown Island Loop Drive to Partially Reopen
Colonial National Historical Park will implement a partial opening schedule for the Island Loop Drive on Jamestown Island starting the week of June 7. The drive had been closed since Monday, March 18 to protect turtles during periods of increased activity and conduct a turtle activity study. More