Trying to decide whether to go to between Jamestown Settlement vs. Historic Jamestowne? Read below to find out which is best (for you)! Also, be sure to check out our Williamsburg, Virginia 1 Week Itinerary (which includes Jamestown) when trying to decided between Jamestown Settlement vs. Historic Jamestowne.
*Last updated November 14, 2024
Jamestown Settlement vs. Historic Jamestowne
Jamestown Settlement vs. Historic Jamestowne
Should you visit Jamestown Settlement or Historic Jamestowne? The answer, of course, is both! Additionally, they are both fun to visit and you can easily see both in one day. However, if you are limited on time, continue reading to decide which is best for you,
Historic Jamestowne
Historic Jamestowne is the actual site of the Jamestowne colony. The colony was established in 1607, making it over 400 years old!
The first stop should be the visitor center where you can see more about Jamestowne, talk with a park ranger, get your passport book stamped and purchase your tickets. However, be aware that if you purchase the “Historic Triangle” from Colonial Williamsburg, the sites are included.
Additionally, be aware that it is about a quarter mile (half km) walk down to the historic area, which starts at the large monolith (Tercentennial Monument).
Why does Historic Jamestowne have an “E”
First things first, why does Historic Jamestowne have an “e”? That is because the original colonial spelling had an “e”. However, the current spelling does not, which is why you see the two different spellings.
Jamestown Rediscovery (Preservation Virginia resources at Historic Jamestowne)
The area to the right of the path is not part of the national park system, but instead is part of Preservation Virginia Resources. Additionally, if you visit Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, there are archaeologists working on site.
The prominent building, Memorial Church, is a resconstruction. Additionally, there are statues of both Pocahontas and John Smith nearby. Also, there are a few other reconstructed buildings, all of which overlook the nearby James River.
A short walk further right leads you to the Achaearium Archaeology Museum, which houses items from the Jamestowne timeframe.
Plan for about 2 hours to visit the Jamestown Rediscovery area including the Museum below.
Archaearium Archaeology Museum
The Archaerarium Archaeology Musuem is just a few minutes walk from the main entrance. It houses numerous items and information about the people who lived in the area, both Native Americans and Jamestowne settlers. Also, entrance is included in your Jamestown Rediscovery admission.
Colonial National Historic Park
The Colonial National Historic Park is the area operated by the National Park System and includes both Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield.
The park system area is to the left of the monument and Jamestown Rediscovery when coming down the trail from the visitor center. Additionally, the remains here are all just ruins from the area. There are mostly vestiges from buildings, but the Ambler Mansion Ruins is the largest remaining structure.
Plan for an extra 30-45 minutes to walk the loop around the area.
Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement is not located on the actual Jamestowne historic site, but just over the bridge to the north of Historic Jamestowne. Additionally, it has both an actual museum and a “living history museum” (similar to Colonial Williamsburg). That means that the outdoor areas has actors who portray the lifestyle of both Native Americans from a Paspahegh Town and settlers from the James Fort replica. Additionally, there are 3 ships that you can tour located by the river area.
Jamestown Settlement Museum
There is a museum inside that features a short movie about the Jamestown settlement. Additionally, there are many exhibits and information about both the settlers and the native people in the area.
I would plan for about 1 hour minimum in the museum to see the movie and explore the exhibits. And then an additional 2 hours to explore the outdoor sights listed below.
Paspahegh Town
The Paspahegh were the native tribe in this area of Virginia. The Jamestowne Settlement has a small recreation of the homes from the area. Additionally, there are live actors who demonstrate how to grind corn and create animal skins. Also, they are happy to answer any questions you might have about the area.
James Fort Replica
Opposite the Paspahegh town is a recreation of James Fort, including homes, blacksmith, amorer, and church. This is a living museum, so there are a lot of live actors who can help detail the Jamestowne colony and the hardships they encountered during their time in Virginia.
Ships: Susan Constant, Godspeed & Discovery
There were three ships who brought settlers to the Jamestowne Colony, Susan Constant, Godspeed & Discovery. Additionally, they have recreations of all three on display along the river.
If I remember correctly, two returned back to England to bring additional settlers and one stayed at the colony to transport supplies up the coast.
Also, you can board and explore the ships, which most children (and adults) will enjoy.
Conclusion
As I said earlier, the best option is to see both sights. However, if you are tight on time and have to pick one, here are my thoughts. I think that both are fun areas for both adults and children. However, Historic Jamestowne is a bit more relaxed and scenic along the James River, plus it is the actual site of the Jamestown settlement. The confusingly named Jamestown Settlement, on the other hand, has the interactive actors and a more interactive museum, making it a fun option for children.
Be sure to check out my Williamsburg Virginia 1 Week Itinerary, which includes both Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement!