Historic Jamestowne

Since the 19th century, the historic Church Tower has been a lasting symbol of Jamestown Island. Constructed around 1680, the Tower is the only 17th-century building to remain standing above ground on the island.

Preservation Virginia has been around since 1889, so the files we’ve squirreled away over the decades have gradually become historic themselves! One of my favorite items from the archive is this itinerary for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip’s visit to Jamestown in October 1957.

These remarks were delivered by Elizabeth S. Kostelny, Chief Executive Officer, at the 400th Anniversary of the First Representative Legislative Assembly at Jamestown Island on July 30, 2019.

This February, commemorate Black History Month by learning more about the complicated and intertwined story of the people who have made Virginia home.

Few states can claim to have a history as rich or extensive as Virginia, the home of the first successful English colony in the United States. Though there are far too many places rich in history to fit onto a single list, here are some that you must-see while hitting the road this summer!

Every historic place has a unique preservation story. There’s something about it that makes it special to the people who live near it, something that makes it part of the fabric of that community. Every person passionate about historic places and their history has a unique preservation story.