England's Colonization of America on the Colonial Parkway

Published on April 17, 2008

Journey through 167 years of the English colonial experience in America on the Colonial Parkway in Virginia. Enjoy spectacular views of the James and York Rivers at many historic turnouts along your way to the three historic old towns of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.

At the western end of the Colonial Parkway is Historic Jamestowne, site of the first successful English settlement in the New World. Here visitors can share the moment of discovery with Jamestown Rediscovery archaeologists as they uncover the remains of the original fort built by the settlers in 1607 and see more than 1,000 artifacts from the dig at the new Archaearium museum. Tour the remains of the original settlement with a National Park Service Ranger, or meet up with a 17th-century personality and learn about Jamestown’s early history from one who experienced it. At the Glasshouse, watch as costumed craftsmen demonstrate America’s first industries. Driving tours explore the lush natural setting where exhibits explain how the settlers harnessed that wilderness for their needs.

Adjacent to Historic Jamestowne is Jamestown Settlement. This living-history museum of 17th-century Virginia evokes the world of America's first permanent English colony through film, indoor gallery exhibits, and outdoor activities. Gallery exhibits chronicle events that led to the founding of Jamestown and the first century of the Virginia colony. Exhibits also describe the cultures of the Powhatan Indians, Europeans, and Africans who converged in Virginia during the 1600s. Outdoors, costumed historical interpreters describe and demonstrate daily life in the early 17th century. Visitors can board replicas of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607, explore life-size re-creations of the colonists' fort and a Powhatan village, and tour a riverfront discovery area to learn about economic activities such as boat-building, the production of commodities, and trade. A new introductory film and a 30,000-square-foot permanent exhibition gallery opened in late 2006. Visitor amenities include free parking, gift shops, and 190-seat restaurant.

To the east, the Colonial Parkway follows the James River towards Colonial Williamsburg. Far more than a collection of restored buildings and people in colonial dress, Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area is a living, breathing community where the "Colonial You" will take shape. Experience life as it was in the 18th century -- farmers working the fields, craftspeople practicing their trades, merchants selling their wares, and government carrying out the affairs of a city, a colony, and what would soon be a nation. Explore the homes and public buildings where men like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Patrick Henry met to change the hearts and minds of a society -- and inspired a nation's fight for independence. Speak with housewives and gentry, soldiers and slaves, artisans and future presidents. Hear fiery speeches. Watch powerful performances. And dine on delicacies that have been popular for more than two centuries.

Yorktown represents the end of the English Colonial period in North America and the last leg of Virginia's Historic Triangle. At the Yorktown Victory Center, the American Revolution is chronicled from the beginnings of colonial unrest in the mid-18th century to the formation of a new nation through timelines, indoor exhibits, an engaging film, and outdoor living history areas. Costumed historical interpreters participate in drills and chores in the re-created Continental Army encampment and 1780s farm. At the western end of the Colonial Parkway is Yorktown Battlefield, site of the last major battle of the American Revolution. Take the seven-mile, self-guided driving tour through the surrounding battlefields and see fortifications, cannons, and historic buildings that existed during the siege. Nearby Yorktown features a dozen homes of the Revolutionary era, including the home of Thomas Nelson, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

From the first successful English settlement at 17th-century Jamestown to the homes of our nation's founding fathers in Williamsburg to the site of the final victory of the American Revolution at Yorktown, the Colonial Parkway today takes you through a history that has grown to represent the very lifeblood of our nation.

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