Jamestown Settlement

 Today's rain thankfully kept the masses at bay, so we were able to enjoy our exploration of the Jamestown Settlement with much less interruption!  Our day began with a comprehensive film overview of early life in the first colony, followed by an overwhelmingly large exhibit covering everything from weather/environment, to life on the ships, to the Powhatan Native Americans, Africans, and more.  We wove through detailed replicas and artifacts relaying the stories of the first boys and men sent here to make the rich people in England richer, and the hardships they faced from disease, famine, cold, and hostile relations with the Native Americans.  It's all we could do not to snap photos (strictly forbidden!) of the numerous items and explanations detailing every cultural component of the English, Powhatans, and Africans... The exact information we are so eager to disseminate to our students.

The rain died down just in time for us to explore the recreated Jamestown Fort, traditional Powhatan villiage, and ship replicas.  Though the staff were fully decked out in believable garb, we were slightly disappointed to learn that they are not "in character," but plucked their brains for good video footage nonetheless!  The village consisted of several traditional huts, and various shelters where costumed individuals gave "real life" demonstrations of arts, crafts, and labors (basket weaving, arrow making, stone carving etc.).  Past the village we found the Jamestown fort, complete with corn and tobacco fields, cannons, armory, church, and houses.  The fort itself is contained within giant wooden walls, and site staff (dressed appropriately of course) gave demonstrations of their skilled craft or labor--a clear juxtaposition on the different ways the Native Americans handled such endeavors.  We were even lucky enough to catch the shooting of a rifle on film... a noise sure to capture the attention of wandering adolescent minds!

Finally, we made our way to the life-size replicas of the first three ships that brought settlers to this land. Once on board it was easy to see why the journey so was so treacherous and tiresome.  Because the English constructed their ships for the purpose of carrying cargo, not men, the under-deck of the largest ship is crammed with barrels, trunks, cannons, and other nautical paraphernalia, leaving just enough space for men to lay their straw cots on top of their own trunks and belongings.  A pirate wench (she kind of looked like one!) informed us that these men below would only have been allowed on the top deck if explicitly asked by the captain... Throw some sanitary diseases, rough waters, and sea sickness in the mix and I can see how the perils of starting a new colony would seem like a welcome paradise!

After only two days we our heads are already crammed with new knowledge and evidence, yet we know there is much more to discover as we continue tracing our way through the Historic Triangle and on to Williamsburg...