Jamestown Discovery Trail facts for kids
The Jamestown Discovery Trail was created in 2000 by "The James River Plantations - Charles City County, Virginia". It's a special heritage trail designed to guide visitors on a journey back in time to Jamestown, Virginia. The trail starts where Interstate 295 (Virginia) meets Route 5 in Henrico County. It then follows Route 5 through Charles City County and into James City County. In James City County, the trail continues on Greensprings Road and finishes at Jamestown Island, where the Colonial Parkway ends.
The Jamestown Discovery Trail includes many interesting places. These are historic sites and public parks officially recognized by "The James River Plantations - Charles City County, Virginia". You'll also find state and local historic highway markers along the way. Together, these spots help visitors learn about the history of Jamestown, which was founded in 1607. In 2006, special "Jamestown 2007 Discovery Trail" markers were put up by the Virginia Department of Transportation. These markers were removed in 2008, but the route is still a great way to visit Jamestown.
Exploring the Jamestown Discovery Trail
The Jamestown Discovery Trail is packed with history! As you travel along it, you'll find many signs and places that tell stories from the past. These include important historic sites, peaceful public parks, and special highway markers. Each one helps you understand more about the early days of Virginia and the founding of Jamestown.
Historic Markers and Sites to See
The trail features many points of interest, starting from Interstate 295 and heading towards Jamestown Island. Here are some examples of the types of historical markers and sites you might encounter:
- Historic Highway Markers: These signs tell you about important people, places, or events. You might see markers for famous figures like Pocahontas or Nathaniel Bacon. Other markers explain significant battles, like the Battle of New Market Heights or the Engagement at Malvern Cliffs. Some even point out places like the proposed first university in English America or where Thomas Jefferson was married.
- Historic Plantations: Many old plantations are along the trail, offering a glimpse into colonial life. These include places like Shirley Plantation, Berkeley Plantation, Westover Plantation, Evelynton Plantation, Belle Air Plantation, Piney Grove at Southall's Plantation, North Bend Plantation, and Sherwood Forest Plantation. Sherwood Forest was even the home of President John Tyler.
- Public Parks: The trail also passes through lovely parks where you can relax and enjoy nature. These include Deep Bottom Park in Henrico County, Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park in Charles City County, and Chickahominy Riverfront Park in James City County.
- Key Historical Locations: You'll find markers for significant moments, such as the "First Africans in English America" marker, which tells an important part of the region's history. The trail also leads to major destinations like Jamestown Settlement and the Jamestown National Historic Site.
Each stop along the Jamestown Discovery Trail helps connect you to the rich history of Virginia, making your journey to Jamestown an educational adventure.
