Global Trade in Seventeenth Century Virginia: Artifact Studies from Jamestown

Initiated by the Virginia Company of London as a profitable venture, Jamestown, established in 1607, became the first successful English settlement in North America. Though the colony struggled to survive, let alone profit for the first several years, the site transformed from a precarious outpost into a vital commercial center until the capital of Virginia was relocated to Williamsburg in 1699. The Jamestown Rediscovery Archaeological project launched in 1994 and remains an active archaeological site today. The artifact collection now numbers in the millions and encompasses artifacts from all over the world, the vast majority of which date to the early 17th century and are ideal for innovative research. This issue will detail extraordinary collections-based research undertaken by scholars from a multitude of institutions. These projects address broad topics such as international trade networks, socio-economics, and many aspects of everyday life for the people associated with Jamestown. Artifact assemblages studied and presented here include lapidary beads, buttons, bone-handled knives, book hardware, horse furniture and spurs, lead seals, and various ceramic ware types. Sourcing studies of black limestone used in ledger stones, glass trade beads, and artifacts made from jet will also be highlighted in this issue. Additionally, studies focused on the faunal and botanical portions of the collection have led to enlightening observations, especially in regards to “The Starving Time” winter of 1609-1610 and the Martial Law period, ca.1610-1619.