On May 13, 1607, after sailing for almost 5 months across the Atlantic Ocean from Blackwall, England, a group of 104 Englishmen and boys selected a site on the banks of Virginia’s James River and built a settlement called Jamestown.

Captain John Smith

This first permanent English settlement in the "New World" was the beginning of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation, an event that changed the world. John Smith, who became the leader, explored rivers that flow into the Chesapeake Bay, including the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers. He is quoted as saying about Virginia, "…hath been in many places of Asia and Europe, in some of Africa and America, but of all, holds Virginia by naturall endowments, the fittest place for an earthly paradise,” in His Pilgrimage by Samuel Purchas (London, 1613).

From that beginning, the Northern Neck evolved into a region of national significance: the home of numerous national figures (George Washington, James Monroe, the Lees, etc.) and site of historic happenings (decisions in Montross and Leedstown, the Revolutionary War, the War Between the States, and Oyster Wars off the shores of Colonial Beach.) Our commemorating the nation's birth in 1607, the founding of Jamestown, is an opportunity to acknowledge this wonderful heritage. This spring, we begin the 400th anniversary celebration that culminates in 2007.

- Thanks to Margaret McMullen