Hundreds of visitors roamed the revered grounds of Henricus Historical Park over the weekend, taking in the flavor of a 1611 setting. Historical re-enactors who protrayed blacksmiths, farmers, seamstresses, soldiers of Civil and Revolutionary wars and Native Americans and more, manned the period correct colonial buildings and Native American longhouses.
There was a special treat for adventure seekers and history buffs, a visit from the replica ship Godspeed, which arrived from Jamestown.
In 1606, the original Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery set sail from London on December 20, bound for Virginia.
The expedition was sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, a business venture that had been organized to form a colony in Virginia. The fleet reached the Virginia coast in late April, and after two weeks of inland waterway exploration, arrived at the selected settlement site in 1607 (Jamestown).
In 1611, the second successful English settlement was organized at Henricus.
At the weekend event, visitor’s had the opportunity to board the replica ship moored at Henricus and view the sails, seemingly endless array of ropes intertwined about the ship, the wooden deck and tight sleeping quarters. Historical interpreter sailors conducted tours and elaborated on the adventures and dangers faced by the early settlers and shipmen.
The interpreters that sailed the replica Godspeed, stayed on board while at Henricus, further expanding on the living experience aboard ship.
Henricus Historical Park is open to visitors year round and memberships to the park are available. For more information on the park and upcoming events visit Henricus.org or call (804)748-1611.
