Jamestown in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Susan Constant
Specifications:
Length Overall: 116’
Beam: 24’ 10”
Draft: 11’ 9”
Mast Height: 95’
Sail Area: 3,902 square feet
Year Built: 1991
120 tons burden
Christopher Newport, Captain
54 passengers and 17 crew, est.
Susan Constant was the flagship and the largest of the three ships that brought the first permanent English settlers to America in 1607. While anchored in the River Thames near Limehouse, it was involved in a minor collision with another vessel which led to a case in the High Court of Admiralty. The resulting court records were used to assist in determining the size of this re-creation. The original was probably built in 1605 and almost certainly built on the River Thames near London. Soon after the Jamestown colony was planted, the Susan Constant returned to England, continuing its career as an ordinary trading vessel.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1991.
Location. 37° 13.324′ N, 76° 47.261′ W. Marker is in Jamestown, Virginia, in James City County. Marker can be reached from Jamestown Road (Virginia Route 31), on the left when traveling south. Marker is on the waterfront at the Jamestown Settlement. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jamestown VA 23081, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Godspeed (within shouting distance of this marker); Ships (within shouting distance of this marker); Voyage to Virginia (within shouting distance of this marker); Discovery (within shouting distance of this marker); James Fort (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Powhatan Indian Village (approx. 0.2 miles away); At Jamestown Began: (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Smith Explores the Chesapeake (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jamestown.
More about this marker. The left of the marker contains a diagram of the Susan Constant labeling its various parts, including the Main Topsail, Fore Topsail, Mizzen, Main Course, Fore Course, Spritsail, Aft Cabin, ‘Tween Deck, Forecastle and Cargo Hold.
Also see . . . Jamestown Settlement. Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation website entry (Submitted on February 13, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,304 times since then and 116 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 13, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.