So, picture this: it's 2007, and Jamestown, Virginia is throwing a massive 400th birthday bash. Why? Well, because it was the first "successful" English settlement in America, my friend. Now, fast forward a few centuries, and what do we have? A bunch of colonists who got tired of their run-down island and decided to head upriver instead. But wait, they left behind a treasure trove of goodies - old, used, and forgotten, but goodies nonetheless.
Now, have you ever stopped to think about just how many flippin' things you have? Seriously, it's mind-boggling. We're talking about stuff you need to live, work, and entertain yourself. And let me tell you, you'd seriously underestimate the sheer number of items you possess. But here's the kicker: if someone were to get their hands on that list and take a peek, they could tell you a whole story about your life. I know, it sounds crazy, but it's the truth. A pile of archeological artifacts is all it takes to reveal the tale of your existence.
And guess what? That's exactly what went down with this pioneering community in Jamestown. Over the years, there were not one, not two, but three major digs to uncover the secrets of these 17th-century Europeans in the wild and menacing land that was America. Let me clarify, we're talking about hundreds of thousands of artifacts here. Can you even imagine the magnitude of that discovery? It's mind-blowing.
So, in this book written by our buddies from the National Park Service back in 1956, you'll get to dive deep into a fascinating journey. They spill the beans on the colonists' resources, their precious belongings, and their nifty creations. These folks left no stone unturned. They gathered evidence from England, Virginia, and everywhere in between, and then meticulously matched it with the items discovered right there on the site. It's a historical detective story like no other.
Now, picture yourself packing for a one-way trip to a brand spankin' new world. Yeah, you heard me right - the rest of your life is gonna be spent there. But guess what? This ain't no luxury trip, my friend. Forget about shops and regular supply deliveries. You'll be building your own damn home, growing or catching your own grub, and dealing with some potentially hostile local folks - the Indians. And here's the kicker: you'll only have a few dozen other people to rely on, and they'll be relying on you too. Talk about pressure.
So, how in the world do you prepare for that kind of adventure? What the heck do you bring with you? Well, my curious listener, that is the epic tale that unfolds within these pages. Buckle up, my friend, 'cause we're about to embark on a journey that will transport you back to a time when survival was the name of the game. This is the story of Jamestown, y'all.
(Summary narrated by the incredible Mark F. Smith)
