Days 16 and 17 Williamsburg & Jamestown

We spent 2 days exploring the settlements of Williamsburg and Jamestown. This home was bought by John D Rockefeller in the early 1930's. His dad was the richest man in the world, but thought that the purpose of wealth and power was to help people. John Jr. lived by this philosophy. After he bought this home in Williamsburg, he financed the restoration and preservation of the town. As we toured the buildings, I couldn't help thinking of Kaitlin and Kinsie, they both love old homes and antiques.

We stopped at a tavern in town for lunch. All of the workers in theses towns are in full costume, and act their parts very well.

In the capital room, Russ was chosen as a member of the jury for a mock trial. They found the widow guilty of horse theivery. Because it was her first offense they showed mercy and spared her life, branding her hand instead (pretend).

In Jamestown they had an Indian villiage, but it was hard to take the red headed Indians seriously.

They had reproductions of the 3 ships that brought the first settlers to Jamestown in 1607. This is the smallest ship and held 21 people. I don't know how they fit. It took them over 5 months to make the first voyage. The largest ship was about 50 feet long and held 70 people. Can you imagine being cramped up like that for over 5 months...I mean it's not like you could go for a walk or anything.

Inside the fort this man very quietly loaded his musket, walked over to the side of the fort and shot out over the wall. Boy did he get everyones attention! Everyone came running to see what was going on.

Back to Williamsburg... They had horse carriage and buggy rides.

This was the govenors palace. Amazing! When you walk into the main hall, the walls are covered with muskets, pistols, and swords like wallpaper. Over 500 weapons in one room alone.

The gardens around the palace were in full bloom...beautiful. Lots of tulips, of all colors.

These purple trees were everywhere from Tennessee to Virginia. We asked what they were and they told us they're called "Red Bud". I asked her to repeat that, because the trees are definately NOT red.

We went into the kitchen behind the Govenor's palace. Most of the homes from that time period had a seperate kitchen building. They had a woman (in costume of course) cooking in there using all of the old utensils, and pots. She was cooking in the fireplace and brick oven and dutch oven using a wood fire. She was making pasta dishes, and breads, pudding, and various meats. Fasinating to watch.



We had such a good time exploring these towns and learning about the beginnings of our great nation. Our trip is going very well so far. Our next stop will be our nations capital.