Near Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Statehouse

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 14, 2008

1. The Statehouse Marker

Inscription. Just below the ground’s surface lie the original foundations of the first purpose-built statehouse at Jamestown. From the very beginning, the efforts at Jamestown were influenced by the laws and legal institutions of England.

American representative government is the legacy that had its start in England. The people of early Jamestown brought not only cargo and supplies, but ideals of the rule of law, which were successfully planted in this new place.

Erected by Colonial National Historic Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings.

Location. 37° 12.629′ N, 76° 46.837′ W. Marker is near Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County. Marker can be reached from Colonial Parkway, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in the "Old Towne" section of the Historic Jamestown unit of Colonial National Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The English Inns of Court (here, next to this marker); Statehouse Foundations (here, next to this marker); The Archaearium (a few steps from this marker); These Foundations (a

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few steps from this marker); In Memory of Early Settlers (within shouting distance of this marker); Sealing of the Magna Carta (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Site of the First Landing (about 300 feet away); Robert Hunt (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

More about this marker. The right side of the marker features a copy of the Virginia Company Charter. It has a caption of “The Charter for the Virginia Company was drafted and signed in 1606 at the Middle Temple in London. Thereafter, members of Middle Temple drafted the documents that permitted the establishment of the first democratic English form of government. The Inns of Court made great contributions to the founding of this nation.”
The bottom center of the marker contains the coats-of-arms the Inns of Court mentioned above, including Lincoln’s Inn, Inner Temple, Middle Temple and Gray’s Inn.

Also see . . .
1. Historic Jamestowne. Colonial National Historic Park from National Park Service website. (Submitted on March 15, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Markers in Historic Jamestown image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 14, 2008

2. Markers in Historic Jamestown

2. Historic Jamestowne. Historic Jamestowne is the site of the first permanent English settlement in America. The site is jointly administered by APVA Preservation Virginia and the National Park Service. (Submitted on March 15, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 14, 2008

3. The Statehouse Marker

The Statehouse foundations and the James River can be seen behind the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 873 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 15, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.