Near Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Site of Habitation
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, June 21, 2010
1. A Site of Habitation Marker
Thousands of years ago, when the island was larger and drier, Jamestown was more suitable for permanent habitation. In fact, archaeologists have excavated hearths from the 2,000-year-old campsites. Nearby, they found pottery and evidence of stone tool-making. Soil core samples recovered by geologists revealed evidence of buried cornfields cultivated by American Indians long before the English arrived.
However, by 1607, the local Paspahegh hunted and fished here but did not occupy the island. When the colonists arrived, they presumed that the island was unoccupied (one of the prerequisites for the location of their settlement), not realizing the land was still in use.
...when they go Hunting into the Out-lands, they commonly go out for the whole Season, with their Wives and Family. At the Place where they find the most Game, they build up a convenient Number of small Cabbins, wherein they live during the Season.
Robert Beverley, History and Present State of Virginia, 1705
(caption)
Prehistoric Indian campsite hearth, excavated during the 1994-1995 island survey
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1607.
Location. 37°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Iron for Corn (a few steps from this marker); The Golden Weed (approx. ¼ mile away); Silk Worn and Silk Spun (approx. 0.6 miles away); Virginia’s Vintage (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bowl, Pot, and Pipe (approx. 0.6 miles away); Glebe Land (approx. 0.8 miles away); Jamestown Island (approx. 0.8 miles away); Early Medical Discoveries (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, June 21, 2010
2. A Site of Habitation Marker
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, June 21, 2010
3. A Site of Habitation Marker/ Powhatan Indians
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, June 21, 2010
4. A Site of Habitation Marker
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, June 21, 2010
5. A Site of Habitation Marker
Maker is located opposite side of this marker at the Black Point trail-head.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, June 21, 2010
6. Trail leading to Black Point, Jamestown Island
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, June 21, 2010
7. View of the James River from Black Point (Jamestown Island)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 461 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 4, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
