Categories: Local

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement

One of the most memorable places I’ve ever visited was Williamsburg and Jamestown, VA. Particularly the part known as Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement. These cities are caulked full of America’s earliest history.

When first we arrived in Williamsburg, VA, and wasn’t real sure what to expect. Sure, we knew that there was a lot of history to be discovered, but how would we go about learning all there was to know? It was a welcome relief to learn that we could pay to tour Colonial Williamsburg and learn just about everything there is to know.

Colonial Williamsburg spans over 300 acres of land and boasts over 500 buildings both original and reconstructed. To really take you back to this time period more than two hundred years old, there are reenactments of important events and happenings of that time.

Being in the medical field, I found the Apothecary particularly appealing. It was really fascinating to see all the different medications from that time period. When we were in the Apothecary, there were “employees” from that time mixing medicines.

One of the other things that appealed to my medical sense was the Public Hospital. It is amazing to see what was acceptable medicine in those early days! The Public Hospital at Colonial Williamsburg was the first hospital in the United States for the mentally ill accepting it’s first patient in October 1773. Inside the hospital you will find cells that the patients were locked in to isolate them from one another. The means they used to treat the mentally ill of that day were horrifying. It ranged from torture chambers, water shock therapy, and lobotomy. The hospital burned down in 1885 and was reconstructed in 1985.

Today the hospital houses the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. The display of equipment used in the hospital are just one part of this museum. You can also see displays of currency of that time as well as many other exhibits.

While visiting Colonial Williamsburg, we were also able to witness, from a distance, archeological digs. These digs continue to uncover our countries roots.

A one day pass to Colonial Williamsburg will cost you $25 for adults. There is one free youth admission (ages 6-17) with each adult purchase. Additional youth passes can be purchased for $13. There are many other packages and discounts available.

Even more fascinating than Colonial Williamsburg, was Jamestown Settlement. When we went to see this historic site, we were taken on a tour of the settlement by someone dressed in that period. He took us to the ruins of a church. He showed us statues of Pocahontas and John Smith. He debunked myths that the two of them were lovers.

While we were touring, we came upon an archeological dig right at the edge of the water. We stood within a few feet of the dig and watched as the archeologists uncovered history. One of the archeologists stopped working long enough to tell us what they were looking for. She said that they believed that they had uncovered the original settlement, but that they needed a few more artifacts to be able to officially announce the discovery. We walked through a building that displayed the artifacts already uncovered during this exhibition. Imagine my surprise one week later when I saw the same archeologist that we had been talking to on TV. She was making the announcement that the area was indeed the original Jamestown Settlement! I had seen history being uncovered first hand just one week before.

In addition to the historic Jamestown area that housed the original buildings and where that archeological dig was taking place, there was also a reenactment area, James Fort. This area was filled with blacksmith shops, glass makers, and cannons on display. There was a story teller dressed in Native American garb telling the story of Pocahontas for the children. I remember chuckling as I listened in to this woman tell the children that most likely Pocahontas was around twelve years old when she met John Smith. The woman also told the children that at this age, she would have been shaved bald except for a long piece of hair in the back.

Then, there was the ship in the bay. This ship, called Godspeed, is a recreation of one of the three ships that originally brought the settlers to the United States. The Godspeed actually tours up and down the eastern coast allowing people to see this little piece of history.

Visiting Jamestown Settlement will cost you $13.50 for adults, $6.25 for children 6yrs – 12yrs old, and complementary admission for children under 6yrs. There are also many packages including a combo package to see Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.

If you are looking for a vacation that will not only provide entertainment, but also an education then consider Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement. You will not be disappointed.