Old Church Tower, Jamestown VA, Historic Image 1639

This vintage photograph captures the Old Church Tower in Jamestown, Virginia, a significant historical landmark dating back to 1639. The tower is a remnant of the fourth church built in the area, which was destroyed by fire during Nathaniel Bacons Rebellion in 1676 and later repaired in 1686. The current structure behind the tower was erected in 1907, representing the continued importance of this site in American colonial history.

Jamestown is notable as one of the first permanent English settlements in North America. After the capital was moved to Williamsburg in 1698, the church fell into disuse, yet the Old Church Tower remains a testament to the early architectural endeavors in Virginia. The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which documents significant structures in the region.

This historical photograph offers a glimpse into the architectural past of Jamestown, capturing not only the physical structure but also the stories entwined with its existence.

KNOWOLs historic images connect the rich stories and imagery of our past. A statement in any room, each is printed on museum-quality paper using a restored version of the original.