Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, VA

History, Wow! These Virginians really have a lot of it and they know how to present it.

2007 is the 400-year anniversary of the first settlers landing in Virginia. Jamestown was the first settlement in the new world by Europeans and it was bank-rolled by Capitalists. This entire endeavor was a business proposition. Businessmen from England found 104 men and boys, convinced them to sail to the new world and establish a settlement, and financed the whole operation to make a profit.

Now, Non-profit groups in Virginia have re-created the original Jamestown settlement (fort), the neighboring Indian villages (Pocahontas's tribe), and replicas of the 3 ships the settlers sailed from England in. The "settlement" also has a wonderful museum and learning center, and you can participate in "tours" of the settlement(s) with a guide resplendent in authentic era-garb. Williamsburg:

The history that took place in this town is incredible. For purposes here, this is the birthplace of America. the Declaration of Independence was drafted in the taverns of Williamsburg by Thomas Jefferson. The historic district covers about a square mile and has been re-created and preserved. Many of the structures are open for the public and many employees of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation dress as 18Th century historic figures in the restored site of Virginia's Capital.

As you walk the streets you may come across George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, or other founding fathers giving speeches in the streets and taverns: you truly feel as though you are participating in the debates of the 18Th century. If you are a history buff, or want to learn more about the challenges and steps that were taken to forge the United States of America, this is an excellent place to do it. Yorktown:

Less than 20 miles away sits Yorktown. On October 19, 1791, the decisive military campaign of the American Revolution culminated with the British surrender to American and French forces commanded by George Washington. Near the site of this original battle sits the Yorktown victory center with a Continental Army encampment, museum, and the re-creation of a 1780's farm.

If you go: These are historical interpretive and interactive tourist destinations. You could easily spend at least a week here (although we were burnt out historically after 3-days). There are daily programs at Williamsburg that cover different historical periods; Monday through Friday. Also, they have evening performances that include plays and presentations from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. I suggest you cover the 3 main districts in historical order: 1) Jamestown (there is a re-created settlement and museum, as well as the actual site of Jamestown further down the road). Allocate 1 full day for both of these sites. Bring a lunch to picnic at the historic site as it is on the river and beautiful. 2) Williamsburg: as noted, you could spend a week here alone. Go for a day and see how you enjoy it. Bring good walking shoes since that is most of what you will be doing. Make your first stop the visitor's center and get a copy of the "Program listings for the week" so you know what is happening. 3) Yorktown: several hours will get you through the victory center and museum. Nearby is the actual site of the siege (which we missed).

Our best to all following our travels.

The Paton's