Jamestown
The first permanent English settlement in the U.S. We had visited the living museum for it a couple of days ago. And it gave us a keen understanding of what the site itself was all about (which we needed, because there is not much there.) What was striking about our visit to the actual site today was just the location itself. The English chose it because it was somewhat protected from attack by other countries seeking colonization of the New World AND because there were no "Naturals" living there. The first reason makes sense. But, as we were walking on a bridge across 500 yards of swamp to a small area along the James River we had a discussion about the second reason. If you are getting ready to colonize an area that is inhabited by more than 14,000 Indians, you might want to ask WHY aren't any of them living at this particular location? Could it be because its a terrible piece of land sandwiched between water and a swamp? Nah. It must just be some prime real estate that the Indians overlooked over the past several thousand years they have inhabited the area...
Regardless of the location issue, it was pretty neat feeling to be at the place where America began. In fact, we sat for a while in a church that was built on the site that was the location of the very first representative assembly in the colonies. We sat there discussing it with the kids and how that idea of democracy makes America so unique. I think they got it a little bit -- though getting them to think about something that deep and abstract is a tough sell with the allure of a statue of Pocahontas outside.
Williamsburg
Yesterday, we visited with all the tradesmen throughout the town. Today, we followed along/took part in a living history reenactment that took place between 1765 and 1775. It took us from the incensed feelings by the Williamsburg gentlemen over the stamp act to the eventual declaration of Virginia independence on the Capitol steps by Patrick Henry.
Yorktown
The site of the Revolutionary War's last major battle and the subsequent surrender of the British, Yorktown is a mere 23 miles from Jamestown. Like the actual site of Jamestown, Yorktown's battlefield is part of the National Park system. It is pretty neat in and of itself -- looking at the cannon and fortification positions. But, also like Jamestown, there is a living museum just down the road which has a more elaborate living museum - with interpreters and hands on stagings for the kids. The scenes included a military encampment and a typical farm in the tidewater region.
Triangle (& Monticello) Wrap Up
Today we went from to the first English settlement -- marking the arrival of the British; to the town of Williamsburg -- showcasing the English lifestyle, it's basic rule of law, and, subsequently the revolt of its subjects; to Yorktown -- which marked the departure of the British control of the nation they seeded. That's a great overview (and 174 years of time travel) over the course of a day!
Overall, the theme that all of us have learned (or had reinforced) during our time in Virginia is that the U.S. is great and unique in so many ways: We are not titled by our birth, but by our endeavors. We are governed not but a monarch or dictator, but by a representative democracy. And our history is not one of preordination, but of self-determination. That's pretty heady stuff. But, it's real.
Overall, the theme that all of us have learned (or had reinforced) during our time in Virginia is that the U.S. is great and unique in so many ways: We are not titled by our birth, but by our endeavors. We are governed not but a monarch or dictator, but by a representative democracy. And our history is not one of preordination, but of self-determination. That's pretty heady stuff. But, it's real.
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