Historic Jamestowne is where it actually happened. On a marshy island in the James River, the first permanent English settlers in America built James Fort in 1607, and for years historians assumed its remains had washed into the river. In 1994 archaeologists of the Jamestown Rediscovery project proved them wrong, and the dig has continued ever since, uncovering the outline of the fort, building foundations, wells, graves and an enormous haul of artifacts. Today the site is managed jointly by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia, and it is one of the most moving historic places in the country. You can walk the line of the fort beside the river, watch the archaeologists at work when the dig is active, stand by the brick tower of the 1680s church and visit the Archaearium, an award-winning archaeology museum that displays more than 4,000 artifacts from James Fort. Beyond the fort, a loop drive and trails lead through the woods and marshes of the island, and the glasshouse nearby shows the glassblowing the colonists tried here. This page links to the official Historic Jamestowne website.
How to visit: Historic Jamestowne is at the end of the Colonial Parkway on Jamestown Island, about 20 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg and right beside Jamestown Settlement. It opens daily from 9:00 to 17:00, the entrance gate operates from 8:45 to 16:30, and it is closed on Thanksgiving, 26 November 2026, on Christmas Day and on New Year’s Day. An entrance fee applies, with tickets sold through the official site and at the gate; check the current fee before you go, because it is separate from the Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg tickets.
What to expect: plan two to three hours. Start at the visitor center, then walk out to the fort site, where rangers and archaeologists give short talks on what has been found. Allow at least 45 minutes for the Archaearium, which is compact but packed with discoveries, and if you have time, drive the island loop for views of the river and marshes.
Making the most of it: see Jamestown Settlement first for the big picture, then come here for the real thing. Check the weekly visit guide on the official site for tours and talks, and bring a jacket, since the riverside site can be windy and cold in November.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk around the original James Fort site and active dig, with ranger talks, the Archaearium museum and an island loop drive.
Best time
Mid-morning on a weekday, when the archaeologists are most likely to be at work and talks are running.
How long
Two to three hours, including the Archaearium and a walk along the river.
Tips
Check the weekly visit guide for talks, combine it with Jamestown Settlement next door, and bring a windproof layer.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History buffs and anyone who wants to stand on the very ground where English America began.
- Families
- Older children enjoy watching the dig and spotting artifacts in the Archaearium; younger ones may prefer Jamestown Settlement first.
- Couples
- Drive the Colonial Parkway along the river and walk the quiet island trails after the fort.
- Pair with
- Jamestown Settlement next door, then the Jamestown and Yorktown day tour for the rest of the triangle.
- Time needed
- Half a day, ideally combined with Jamestown Settlement.
Good questions
What are Historic Jamestowne hours?+
The site is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, and the entrance gate operates from 8:45 to 16:30. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Is Historic Jamestowne included in the Jamestown Settlement ticket?+
No, the two sites are run by different organizations and sell separate tickets. Plan to buy entry for each if you want to see both.
Can I see the archaeologists at work?+
Yes, the Jamestown Rediscovery dig at James Fort is ongoing, and visitors can often watch from the edge of the excavation. Activity depends on the weather and the season.
What is the Archaearium?+
It is the archaeology museum at Historic Jamestowne, displaying more than 4,000 artifacts found at James Fort. Allow at least 45 minutes for it.
How far is Historic Jamestowne from Colonial Williamsburg?+
It is about 20 minutes by car along the Colonial Parkway. Jamestown Settlement is right next door, so many visitors combine the two.
