Jamestown Rediscovery Pathways Project

Improving Site Access for Visitors

Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation is embarking on a project that will improve access for visitors and enhance the story of Jamestown as Virginia’s first colonial capital. Elevated and paved pathways will weave between points of interest, creating an onsite “capitol trail” to connect the first and last meeting places of representative government at Jamestown. The most significant site update since 2007, the improved pathways will also ensure visitor access during flood events.

excuse the mess

Beginning in early March, some pathways around James Fort and the Archaearium will be temporarily closed for construction. All areas of the site will remain open to the public, with alternate routes posted. However, in the event of flooding, alternate routes may be blocked. Flooding of alternate pathways may result in the temporary closure of the Archaearium Museum. Closures will be announced here and on Historic Jamestowne’s social media.

These crucial infrastructure upgrades are generously supported by a Virginia 250 Preservation Fund Grant.

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improving accessibility

Visitors to Jamestown step into history through various points of interest, including the Memorial Church, James Fort, Voorhees Archaearium Archaeology Museum, as well as behind-the-scenes programs in the Rediscovery Center at Yeardley House. Each of these is connected by gravel pathways of varying grades and elevations. The upgraded path will be graded and paved, improving safety and accessibility for all users, but particularly for visitors with wheelchairs, strollers, wagons, or other mobility aids. It will also be elevated to ensure visitor access remains in place during flooding events, which happen more frequently now than when the current pathway was developed.

jamestown’s “capitol trail”

The proposed pathway will start near the Memorial Church, where Virginia’s first General Assembly was held in 1619. It will weave through James Fort to the Archaearium Museum and the site of Jamestown’s last Statehouse. This “capitol trail” will better tell the story of Jamestown’s role as Virginia’s first colonial capital, which is especially important as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the 350th anniversary of Bacon’s Rebellion.

construction timeline

Pathway closures will be staggered so that all areas of the site remain accessible to visitors. Construction is slated to begin in early March. The first two phases are scheduled for completion this summer.