Jamestown Rediscovery
Location submitted by: sdonley on 07/03/2025
DBA Approved: Y
Larger Map
1365 Colonial National Historical Pkwy
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Open to the public: Yes
https://historicjamestowne.org/arch...
Lat: 37.204407
Lon: -76.754552
PANICd#: 2192
Publication date: 07/23/2025
Jamestown Rediscovery is an archaeological project of Preservation Virginia investigating the remains of the original English settlement at Jamestown, established in the Virginia Colony in North America beginning on May 14, 1607.
Database Summary:
Demographic Rank: 0
History: 1
Stories: 1
Claims: 10
Evidence: 0
Resources: 3
Retrievals: 112
Vistor Rating: 0.0
Votes: 0
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History
History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.
In the mid-1990s, a team of archaeologists launched an ambitious project known as Jamestowne Rediscovery, aimed at locating the original 1607 James Fort site at Jamestown Island in Virginia. For years, historians believed the fort had been lost to the James River due to erosion. However, in 1994, archaeologist William Kelso and his team began excavations under the belief that the site might still exist inland. Their work led to a groundbreaking discovery: evidence of the fort’s palisade walls and structures still intact on dry land. This revelation overturned long-standing assumptions and reignited interest in America’s first permanent English settlement.
Over the years, the Jamestowne Rediscovery team uncovered a wealth of archaeological treasures, including the outlines of the original fort, buildings, wells, and thousands of artifacts from the 17th century. These findings included weapons, tools, ceramics, and personal items that provided intimate glimpses into the daily lives of the settlers. Perhaps most remarkable was the discovery of graves belonging to some of the settlement's earliest and most prominent figures. These burials offered clues about diet, health, and the hardships endured by the colonists during the early years of the settlement.
The Rediscovery project helped rewrite the historical narrative of early Jamestown by providing physical proof of the colony's layout and the challenges faced by its inhabitants. Among the most striking discoveries were signs of desperate survival measures during the "Starving Time" of 1609-1610, including evidence of cannibalism. These findings deepened scholarly understanding of the colony’s struggles and highlighted the extreme conditions faced by the English as they tried to establish a foothold in the New World.
Jamestowne Rediscovery also brought new attention to the interactions between English settlers and the Powhatan Confederacy. Artifacts and soil layers suggested shifting periods of trade, cooperation, and conflict. The project revealed that Jamestown was not simply a tale of European settlement but also one of complex cultural exchange and confrontation with Indigenous peoples. These discoveries have encouraged more inclusive interpretations of Jamestown’s past and expanded public awareness of the diverse peoples who shaped early American history.
Today, Jamestowne Rediscovery remains an active archaeological site and public history program. Visitors to Historic Jamestowne can see ongoing excavations, walk along the remains of the original fort, and view artifacts at the Archaearium museum. The project has become a leading example of how modern archaeology can reshape historical understanding and preserve national heritage. Through its efforts, Jamestowne Rediscovery has helped transform Jamestown from a forgotten colonial outpost into a vital symbol of American beginnings.
Added by: sdonley on 07/21/2025
DB#:780
Source(s):
Various
Stories & Folklore
Stories & Folklore are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location and passed down from generation to generation. This section could also contain research notes as well.
The Jamestowne Rediscovery site has not only revealed the physical remains of early English settlers but has also stirred numerous accounts of paranormal activity. As archaeologists unearthed graves and long-buried structures, many reported an unsettling atmosphere and strange sensations around the dig site. Some workers claimed to feel watched or touched while alone, particularly near burial areas. These eerie experiences often occurred in broad daylight, leading even the most skeptical team members to question the energy lingering around the centuries-old ruins.
Visitors and staff alike have described hearing disembodied voices and footsteps echoing through the grounds, especially near the reconstructed James Fort. These sounds sometimes resemble the pacing of soldiers or soft murmurs as if from an invisible gathering. On misty mornings and quiet afternoons, people have reported seeing shadowy figures near the church tower ruins or moving silently along the tree line. While no apparitions have been definitively identified, many believe they may be the spirits of early settlers who perished during the colony’s darkest days.
One of the most chilling locations is the area near the burial pits uncovered during excavation. Several employees have recounted moments of overwhelming dread while working near these graves, with some even needing to leave the area abruptly. Paranormal investigators brought to the site have documented spikes in electromagnetic fields and temperature drops, suggesting unexplained activity. Some believe the disturbance of long-forgotten resting places has awakened energies that now linger restlessly in the soil of Jamestown.
The Archaearium museum, which houses many of the artifacts recovered from the site, has also become a hotspot for supernatural occurrences. Staff have heard strange noises after hours, including banging sounds, whispers, and the clinking of metal. A few have claimed to see objects move or doors swing open with no explanation. Some believe the spirits of the settlers are attached to the personal items on display, unwilling to let go of their earthly possessions.
Despite its academic and historical significance, the Jamestowne Rediscovery site has taken on a reputation as one of Virginia’s more quietly haunted locations. The combination of tragic deaths, disturbed graves, and ancient energies seems to have left a paranormal imprint on the land. While historians continue to uncover physical truths from the soil, others believe the spirits of Jamestown still linger, silently watching the modern world uncover the secrets they took to their graves.
Added by: sdonley on 07/21/2025 DB#: 1737
Source(s):
Various
Paranormal Claims
Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, please contact PANICd.com, and we will review and add your information.
| Claim # | Added | Added By | Claim |
| 3985 | 07/21/2025 | sdonley | A ghostly figure has been seen walking near the old church tower ruins. |
| 3986 | 07/21/2025 | sdonley | Disembodied voices have been heard whispering near the excavation pits. |
| 3987 | 07/21/2025 | sdonley | Shadowy figures have appeared near the reconstructed fort at dawn and dusk. |
| 3988 | 07/21/2025 | sdonley | Footsteps echo through the site when no one is around. |
| 3989 | 07/21/2025 | sdonley | Staff have reported being touched or watched while working alone. |
| 3990 | 07/21/2025 | sdonley | Cold spots and EMF spikes have been recorded by investigators. |
| 3991 | 07/21/2025 | sdonley | Museum workers hear banging and clinking noises after hours. |
| 3992 | 07/21/2025 | sdonley | Objects in the Archaearium have been seen moving on their own. |
| 3993 | 07/21/2025 | sdonley | Some visitors feel an overwhelming sense of dread near the burial sites. |
| 3994 | 07/21/2025 | sdonley | Apparitions have been reported walking silently along the tree line. |
Additional Resources
This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.
| History of Jamestown Rediscovery | Historic Jamestowne
Added: 07/23/2025 By: sdonley |
Visit the real thing at Historic Jamestowne, explore the actual location and active archaeological dig, Jamestown Rediscovery, home of the first successful English settlement. |
| Wikipedia Entry
Added: 07/23/2025 By: sdonley |
Wikipedia entry for this location. |
| A Short History of Jamestown - Historic Jamestowne Part of Colonial National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Added: 07/23/2025 By: sdonley |
National Park Service information about this location. |
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