First Settlement

In typical form, here at least, everything has to be the first, best, or last, or it doesn't get much attention. Sometimes the language is subtle, as in Jamestown's claim. Many people think it was the first European settlement but, officially, they say "the first permanent British settlement". It might even be true; who knows. Suffice it to say it matters to folks around here so we made the 5 minute drive to check it out and met our first of many story tellers Bentley Boyd www.chestercomix.com.
He was set up just inside the visitor centre door, (Jamestown is a National Park) an unofficial greeter and seemed seriously excited that we were there instead of at the adjacent theme park, Jamestown Settlement. His enthusiasm was infectious and welcome on a seriously cold day (5C! and windy).

Jim and Pat on the boardwalk/bridge between the visitor centre and site. The obelisk is a memorial to the past people.

The smith was making ugly little 3-pointed weapons that would have been liberally scattered on the ground, hundreds, for horses to step on and be crippled. War wasn't any nicer then than now but maybe more intimate.

This volunteer plays a musketeer character and never breaks his role. He's fabulous and his olde English never quits. One of many entertainers we've seen this week.

One of the ongoing archaeological digs and the experts well bundled up!

Pocahontas of legend, who may or may not have interceded for John Smith but certainly didn't marry him, rather A farmer called John Rolfe.

Apparently common thought was that Jamestown had been lost to erosion into the James River, but an archaeologist, whose name I can't find without more effort than I care to give it today, thought maybe not. He started a dig in 1994 and discovered the original fort structure and millions of artifacts from the first few years. When I commented that he (whoever he is) was the MVP of the area, the response was that he (name still unknown) could be considered the MVP for the country. Have I mentioned the enthusiasm we've met EVERYWHERE for anything historical? Almost hysterical? But fun. Needless to say Dr. No Name hasn't had any trouble getting grant money since then. The result is an interesting museum, ongoing archaeological work and a vibrant historical site.

But MAN it was a cold day. :-( We were attracted to anything warm like the smith and the glass blowers. Fortunately both were fascinating.