Jamestown celebrates the 400th anniversary of its founding (May 14, 1607), making it the oldest English settlement in the nation.
To inaugurate the Capt. John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, the first all-water national historic trail established by the federal government, the replica of the boat John Smith (settler of the nation) used to explore the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries was set sail on a 121-day journey on Saturday to retrace his voyage.
At Historic Jamestowne and the nearby Jamestown Settlement museum various activities were taking place during the three-day commemoration.
More than 100 white tents and several stages have been set up around the Jamestown venues, giving them the feel of a state fair. There were musical performances, demonstrations by glassblowers and other artisans, fireworks also.
A new Jamestown postage stamp, which is three-sided, like James Fort, and features a painting of the colonists’ three ships, has been issued and history lovers stood in the queue for hours to buy these stamps.
The Virginia Symphony and Richmond Symphony orchestras combined for the first time and performed the world premiers of four pieces written for the commemoration, including a number called “Jamestown Hymn.”
Source: USA Today
