roaring waves and turbulence of the Atlantic Ocean, carried 104 intrepid
adventurers from Blackwall, England, to the shores of Virginia and what
the Europeans called the "New World."
It was nearly four centuries ago that three small ships, battling the
roaring waves and turbulence of the Atlantic Ocean, carried 104 intrepid
adventurers from Blackwall, England, to the shores of Virginia and what
the Europeans called the "New World." Here, on the banks of the James
River, they established Jamestown as the first permanent English
settlement in the Americas in 1607. America's 400th Anniversary
commemorates their historic journey- the journey that changed the
world-and the legacies on which our nation was founded. From local
festivals to international summits, 2006 and 2007 will be filled with
activities commemorating this pivotal moment in world history.
Despite disease, famine, and on-and-off conflicts with the native
Algonquians, the colony grew steadily and prospered, with three major
developments in the Jamestown settlement that remain its enduring legacies:
• Representative government-the first democratically elected
assembly in the New World convened in the Jamestown church on July 30,
1619. The democratic institutions governing us today have their roots in
this first assembly.
• Cultural diversity-Jamestown brought together three cultures
from three continents-Virginia Indians, Europeans and Africans-creating
a tradition of multicultural society that continues to shape our lives
today.
• Free enterprise-The Virginia Company was first and foremost an
economic enterprise, chartered by King James I to settle Virginia and
create wealth. By contrast, the Pilgrims who settled Massachusetts 13
years later came primarily for religious freedom.
As America commemorates the 400th Anniversary of its birthplace, you too
can participate in commemorating that first journey across the
Atlantic-the journey that changed the world. There are several ways to
do this:
• Visit. Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum operated
by the State of Virginia, and Historic Jamestowne, site of the original
fort, is operated by APVA Preservation Virginia and the National Park
Service. Together, these sites provide complementary experiences that
transport you to a time when the seeds of our nation were being planted.
Along with Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown is part of
America's Historic Triangle, a 23-mile-long area encompassing three of
the most important sites in early American history. The venues will play
starring roles throughout the commemoration as the events and programs
that encompass America's 400th Anniversary unfold.
• Plant. No matter where you live, you and your family can plant
an Anniversary Garden, creating a living, growing commemoration in your
own yard and community. As you do this, you will continue the legacies
of Jamestown, planting the seeds of promise and hope for the next
generation. Plant lists and suggested garden layouts are available online.
• Learn. Tune in to "Jamestown Live" on November 9, when an
"electronic classroom" will be created for students to experience the
story of America's birth. "Jamestown Live" will be broadcast live from
Jamestown Settlement museum and Historic Jamestowne.
• Reflect. The legacies of Jamestown impact modern American
society every day. When you read the newspaper, participate in a PTA or
school board meeting, or vote on issues important to you, take time to
reflect on our shared responsibility to continue the legacies of
Jamestown. The original settlers were on the "journey that changed the
world"; each one of us can embrace this opportunity to continue that
historic journey into a better tomorrow.
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