It was four centuries ago that three small ships, battling
the roaring waves and turbulence of the Atlantic Ocean, carried 104 intrepid
adventurers from Blackwall, England, to the shores of Virginia and what the
Europeans called the "New World." Here, on the banks of the James
River, they established Jamestown as the first permanent English settlement in
the Americas in 1607. America's 414th Anniversary commemorates their historic
journey- the journey that changed the world- and the legacies on which the
nation was founded. From local festivals to international summits, 2020 and 2021
will be filled with activities commemorating this pivotal moment in world
history.
Despite disease, famine, and on-and-off conflicts with the
native Algonquians, the colony grew steadily and prospered, with three major
developments in the Jamestown settlement that remain its enduring legacies:
Representative government-the
first democratically elected assembly in the New World convened in the Jamestown
church on July 30, 1619. The democratic institutions governing the U.S. today
have their roots in this first assembly.
Cultural diversity-Jamestown
brought together three cultures from three continents-Virginia Indians,
Europeans and Africans-creating a tradition of a multicultural society that
continues to shape lives today.
Free
enterprise-The Virginia Company was first and foremost an
economic enterprise, chartered by King James I to settle Virginia and create
wealth. By contrast, the Pilgrims who settled Massachusetts 13 years later came
primarily for religious freedom.
As America commemorates the 414th Anniversary of its
birthplace, you too can participate in commemorating that first journey across
the Atlantic-the journey that changed the world. There are several ways to do
this:
Visit. Jamestown
Settlement is a living history museum operated by the State of Virginia, and
Historic Jamestown, site of the original fort, is operated by APVA Preservation
Virginia and the National Park Service. Together, these sites provide
complimentary experiences that transport you to a time when the seeds of this
nation were being planted. Along with Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg,
Jamestown is part of America's Historic Triangle, a 23-mile-long area encompassing
three of the most important sites in early American history. The venues will
play starring roles throughout the commemoration as the events and programs
that encompass America's 414th Anniversary unfold.
Plant. No matter where
you live, you and your family can plant an Anniversary Garden, creating a
living, growing commemoration in your own yard and community. As you do this,
you will continue the legacies of Jamestown, planting the seeds of promise and
hope for the next generation. Plant lists and suggested garden layouts are
available online.
Reflect. The legacies
of Jamestown impact modern American society every day. When you read the
newspaper, participate in a conversation, or vote on issues important to you,
take time to reflect on the shared responsibility to continue the legacies of
Jamestown. The original settlers were on the "journey that changed the
world"; each one of us can embrace this opportunity to continue that
historic journey into a better tomorrow.
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