New Discoveries at Jamestown: Site of the First Successful English Settlement in America

"New Discoveries at Jamestown" by John L. Cotter and J. Paul Hudson is a historical account written in the mid-20th century. This work explores the archeological findings and insights related to the first successful English settlement in America—Jamestown, Virginia. The book delves into various aspects of life in Jamestown by examining the artifacts unearthed from extensive excavations, thereby providing a detailed understanding of the daily lives of its early settlers. The opening of this publication outlines the historical significance of Jamestown as the first permanent English colony in America and sets the context for the archeological studies that have taken place since 1934. It explains that the archeologists have uncovered numerous structures and artifacts, including houses, workshops, and everyday items that reveal the material culture of the early 17th century. The narrative emphasizes the critical nature of these findings in reconstructing the unwritten history of Jamestown, as well as how these artifacts reflect the settlers' struggles, social life, and adaptation to the new environment. The text sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the various categories of objects that tell the story of early colonial life.