James Fort

Re-created James Fort interprets the settlement during 1610-14, reflecting its predominantly military and commercial character. 

Inside the triangular wooden palisade are wattle-and-daub structures topped with thatch roofs depicting dwellings, an Anglican church, a court of guard, a storehouse, a cape merchant’s office and a governor’s house. 

Historical interpreters forge and repair metal objects in a blacksmith’s forge and show how matchlock muskets are fired.  Seasonally and periodically, interpreters also produce wood products using 17th-century-style tools, engage in domestic activities such as sewing and meal preparation and, outside the fort, cultivate food and tobacco crops.

Try on armor and play games of quoits (ringtoss) and ninepins (bowling).