The London Company established the Virginia Colony in 1607 in the Powhattan homelands of Tsenacommacah, whose capital was Werowocomoco. The English settlement at Jamestown experienced several significant events in 1619 that proved to be very important in the history of Virginia and what would become the United States. In 2019 we commemorate several events from 400 years ago at Jamestown that changed the course of U.S. history:
The House of Burgesses became the first elected legislative assembly in the New World. Although it took nearly four centuries for Virginia to reluctantly realize universal suffrage, it continues as the Virginia General Assembly in Virginia’s modern capital, Richmond, Va.
The arrival of the first Africans to English North America at Point Comfort (present site of Fort Monroe National Monument)
The arrival of European women to Jamestown to build community
The first official Thanksgiving in English North America at Berkley Plantation.
The first labor strike in America, a strike by the Poles for the right as free adult men to elect members of the House of Burgesses.
Jamestown saw the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurialism develop that kept the colony thriving.
In honor of this year and the many commemorations taking place in Virginia, here is a list of books, websites, and videos that will help you learn more about the lasting importance of Jamestown and the year 1619 in America’s history and culture. This includes fiction and nonfiction for all ages, DVDs, and websites. All books and videos are available at the Norfolk Public Library.
The London Company established the Virginia Colony in 1607 in the Powhattan homelands of Tsenacommacah, whose capital was Werowocomoco. The English settlement at Jamestown experienced several significant events in 1619 that proved to be very important in the history of Virginia and what would become the United States. In 2019 we commemorate several events from 400 years ago at Jamestown that changed the course of U.S. history:
In honor of this year and the many commemorations taking place in Virginia, here is a list of books, websites, and videos that will help you learn more about the lasting importance of Jamestown and the year 1619 in America’s history and culture. This includes fiction and nonfiction for all ages, DVDs, and websites. All books and videos are available at the Norfolk Public Library.