Jamestown

10. Governor's House

Williamsburg, VA

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Preservation Virginia uncovered the cobblestone foundations of two 'row houses' on the western wall of the palisade in Historic Jamestowne. Ralph Hamor, who wrote an account of Virginia between 1610 and 1614, mentioned that Jamestown had "two faire rowes of houses, all of framed Timber, two stories, and an upper Garret, or Corne loft."  Archaeologists found high-status items in the general area during the excavation process, leading them to believe that upper-class colonists lived in these houses, and that one of them may have served as the Governor's House. The Virginia Company also noted that Sir Thomas Gates Knight, the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, erected a Governor's House in Jamestown between 1611 and 1614. Jamestown Settlement used these documents and archaeological findings to create a reproduction of the Governor's House, which is currently the grandest building within the fort. It stands two and a half stories tall, with wattle-and-daub walls, a cobblestone foundation, wood floors and a thatched roof. Inside, Turkish carpets and ornate wooden furniture represent the Governor's high status within the colony.