Exploring our Roots at Jamestowne

     If you have seen the Disney movie, Pocahontas, or studied even a little bit of American history, you know about the romance between the beautiful Indian maiden and the English settler, John.  Today we stood in the ruins of the church where they were married on Jamestown Island just off the coast of Virginia.  To get there we drove the Colonial Parkway which is a limited access road that connects the historic settlements of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.  As it gets close to Jamestown Island the Parkway winds through swampy and boggy areas near the James River.  It is a great area for bird watching including some Bald Eagles.

   It was our lucky day as we arrived just in time for a tour of the archaeological dig. The archaeologist who gave the tour was enthusiastic, well informed and an active participant in the dig.  She made the ruins of a 400 year old site really come alive.  Originally, it was believed that the foundations of the early settlement were beneath the James River due to changes in its flow.  However, in 1994, digging unearthed the posts of the corners of the wall around the encampment.  Since that time graves, foundations, a well, and many artifacts from the men who lived in the area have been found.
    Jamestown was the first permanent settlement in the United States.  It was founded by the Virginia Company which was one of several Joint Stock companies established by royal charter by King James of England with the the goal of establishing settlements on the coast of North America.  Initially there were only about a hundred men - mostly soldiers - who were sent to establish a settlement.  Later a few women arrived and some families.  The buildings and walls were built using fairly small trees despite the fact that the area had large amounts of huge trees.  However, these trees were cut and sent to England to pay for the costs of supporting the settlement.
   It was a hard life and a large portion of the early settlers died of malnutrition, disease, and accidents.  Our nation was founded by some very tough and determined people.  We should be so proud.