<P> The site gained renewed importance when in 1996 the Jamestown Rediscovery project began excavations in search of the original James Fort site, originally in preparation for the quadricentennial of Jamestown's founding . The primary goal of the archaeological campaign was to locate archaeological remains of "the first years of settlement at Jamestown, especially of the earliest fortified town; (and the) subsequent growth and development of the town". </P> <P> Today, visitors to Historic Jamestowne can view the site of the original 1607 James Fort, the 17th - century church tower and the site of the 17th - century town, as well as tour an archaeological museum called the Archaearium and view many of the close to two million artifacts found by Jamestown Rediscovery . They also may participate in living history ranger tours and Archaeological tours given by the Jamestown Rediscovery staff . Visitors can also often observe archaeologists from the Jamestown Rediscovery Project at work, as archaeological work at the site continues . As of 2014, the archaeological work and studies are ongoing . In addition to their newsletter and website, new discoveries are frequently reported in the local newspaper, the Virginia Gazette based in nearby Williamsburg, and by other news media, often worldwide . </P> <P> Jamestown Settlement is a living - history park and museum located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) from the original location of the colony and adjacent to Jamestown Island . Initially created for the celebration of the 350th anniversary in 1957, Jamestown Settlement is operated by the Jamestown - Yorktown Foundation, and largely sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia . The museum complex features a reconstruction of a Powhatan village, the James Fort as it was c. 1610--1614, and seagoing replicas of the three ships that brought the first settlers, Susan Constant, Godspeed, Discovery . </P> <P> With the national independence of the United States established by the end of the 18th century, Jamestown came to be looked at as a starting point . Its founding in 1607 has been regularly commemorated, with the most notable events being held every fifty years . </P>

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