There is a peninsula in southeastern Virginia that is approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. It's known simply as "The Peninsula". It is home to three very important places in American history - Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. These are known as "The Historic Triangle". Albums on this site are devoted to each of these places. I wish my photographs could match my passion for this beautiful place and for its historic significance. I am humbled by this piece of land and by what happened there.

These pictures are from Jamestown Island - the first permanent English colony in America - founded in 1607. Established by England for the purpose of finding riches, 108 gentlemen - including Capt. John Smith - landed on Jamestown Island on the James River in Virginia. They had sailed on three ships: The "Susan Constant", the "Godspeed" and the "Discovery". These gentlemen were mainly aristocrats - ill equipped for the harsh conditions they encountered. This was several years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. This little piece of ground is sacred to American history. The story of their survival against horrendous odds is incredibly moving. Pocahontas (a real person - a young girl - daughter of the Chief) saved Capt. John Smith's life. There were often more deaths in a year than there were new people to arrive in the colony. During what is called "The Starving Time", so many of the colonists died that the remaining ones finally were driven to give up hope and set sail to head home to England. They were met by reinforcements and turned around and went back and gave it another try - and were successful. Jamestown is the birthplace of America. Jamestown was the capital of Virginia from 1607 - 1699. To walk these grounds and visit the ruins is unforgettable. Archaeologists are still working to uncover the many treasures buried on the island. I'm including some links to web sites with much more information. Copy and paste them into your browser and check out these wonderful sites.

http://www.nps.gov/colo/home.htm - Colonial National Historic Park

http://www.nps.gov/colo/Jamestwn/jamestown.htm - Historic Jamestowne

http://www.apva.org/jr.html - APVA Jamestown Rediscovery