Fort James Archaeological Dig

Garrett Tershel

Fort James Archaeological Dig

The Jamestown Archaeological Dig at James Fort is one of the top archaeology sites in America.  The Jamestown Rediscovery site states "The project has rewritten our understanding of early settlers’ daily life and purpose and their relations with Indian peoples. The research project continues to bring to life a narrative of human endeavor and perseverance that laid the foundations of British America and, ultimately, the United States." The story was incredible and the tour is highly recommended.

 
Walking to the archeological dig site. Walking to the archeological dig site.

 
A coat of arms showing Great Britains strength in the world. A coat of arms showing Great Britains strength in the world.

 

Fort James was thought to be lost at sea.  If you have taken the James Fort tour prior to 1994 that is what you would have been told that it was lost to sea because of the receding shore line. Well it was not.

Fort James 1607-1611 Fort James 1607-1611

 
This is a reproduction of the fort as it would have looked when finished. This is a reproduction of the fort as it would have looked when finished.

 
Markers from the dig. Markers from the dig.

 
Original church. Original church.

 
Dig site inside the church. Dig site inside the church.

 
History of Pocahontas History of Pocahontas

 
Common Law of England Common Law of England

 
None of these building are original. None of these building are original. They are reproductions were building would have existed.

 

If you get a chance to read through their website the story is incredible and constantly changing as they find new discoveries.  It was a very rough start and the colony need multiple groups of people to replace those that died. We thoroughly enjoy our tour and walking the grounds.