Jamestown, Virginia

Visiting Jamestown was the highlight of our stop in Williamsburg, Va. We went on an archeological tour and learned a great deal about the people who discovered the area (after the Powhatan indians of course).

One of the most fascinating things we discovered was that during the starving time in the winter of 1609-1610 the people became so desperate that they were eating not only their horses, cats and dogs but each other as well.

The discovery of a skull and bone fragments from a leg in one of the trash cellars belonged to a girl around the age of 14, they named her Jane. The skull had 8 of the 9 markers showing proof of cannibalism. We got to see the actual skeleton in the museum, unfortunately I was so mesmerised by it, I forgot to take a picture of Jane.

We also heard about secret Catholics, they had to keep their faith secret because it was outlawed in England and therefore the fort they established at Jamestown.

Learning about Pocahontas abduction and conversion to Christianity and then marrying John Rolfe was equally intriguing.

You can read more about Jane and all the amazing archeological discoveries still being made in Jamestown at Jamestown Rediscovery.