Jamestown, A Place of Many Beginnings

Walk in the steps of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas where a successful English colonization of North America began. Despite early struggles to survive, the 1607 settlement evolved into a prosperous colony. As the colony expanded, the Virginia Indians were pushed out of their homeland. In 1619, the arrival of Africans was recorded, marking the origin of slavery in English North America.

A park ranger speaks to a group of visitors as they sit along a curved brick wall.
The First Legislative Assembly

The first charter of the Virginia Company, signed by King James I on April 10, 1606, planted the first seeds of our constitutional values.

An archaeological dig exposes the foundations of many buildings.
African Americans at Jamestown

The first documented arrival of Africans to the colony of Virginia was recorded by John Rolfe in 1619.

Road closed sign
Colonial Parkway Construction Updates

Get the latest construction updates for the Colonial Parkway here.

Last updated: October 14, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 210
Yorktown, VA 23690

Phone:

757 898-2410

Contact Us