What to do and see when you visit
By Michele Harris
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
A relative upstart compared to nations in Europe or the Far East, the U.S. hasn’t had too many 400th anniversaries to celebrate. This year marks one of the first with Virginia’s multi-milliondollar commemoration of Jamestown.
Established in 1607, it was the nation’s first permanent English settlement. America’s 400th Anniversary, includes a three-day extravaganza starting on May 12 with world-class entertainment, fireworks, and a visit from Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip. It is the Queen’s second visit to Jamestown. She celebrated the settlement’s 350th Anniversary back in 1957.
Regular folks are invited too and the festivities, special exhibits, and events will be ongoing through the fall.
Honorary chair: Former Justice O’Connor
Former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor serves as the honorary chair of America’s 400th Anniversary. Says O’Connor, “The commemoration is a rare opportunity for all Americans to better understand the foundations of our nation as we work together to shape our country’s future.”
Located in what’s called the historic triangle, Jamestown is within easy driving distance to Colonial Williamsburg and the battle site of Yorktown. Over ten years of planning and preparation went into this 18-month celebration, so there’s never been a better time to visit the birthplace of American democracy.
History
Best known as the place where Captain John Smith met a beautiful Powhatan princess, Jamestown bears little resemblance to the idealized society presented in the Disney feature, Pocahontas.
The real story of Jamestown is as harsh as it is heroic. Established 14 years before the Mayflower left England, early settlers of Jamestown arrived in the swampy territory looking not for religious freedom, but for riches. Most were aristocrats with little experience in farming or hard labor and few were inclined to learn.