Old Church Tower, Jamestown VA, 1639-1907 History

This vintage photograph captures the Old Church Tower in Jamestown, Virginia, a significant relic dating back to 1639. The tower is part of the fourth church, which was originally constructed but burned down in 1676 during Nathaniel Bacons Rebellion. The structure was repaired in 1686, but the present building visible in the image was erected in 1907, marking a period of restoration and historical preservation.

Jamestown holds a critical place in American history as one of the first permanent English settlements in North America. After the capital was moved to Williamsburg in 1698, the church was abandoned. Today, the site remains a poignant reminder of the early colonial era, showcasing the architectural evolution and the enduring legacy of early American settlements.

This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South and was acquired from the estate of Frances Benjamin Johnston in 1953. It provides valuable insights into colonial church architecture and the historical context of Jamestown.