<h2><SPAN name="artisans_and_craftsmen" name="artisans_and_craftsmen"></SPAN>Artisans and Craftsmen</h2>
<p>Numerous objects recovered at Jamestown are extremely important as they
reveal the kinds of craftsmen and artisans who worked in Virginia’s
first capital, the nature of their tools and equipment, and examples of
their handiwork.</p>
<h3><SPAN name="the_carpenter" name="the_carpenter"></SPAN>The Carpenter</h3>
<p>Scores of tools used by the men who helped build the Jamestown houses
have been unearthed, including chisels, augers, gouges, hammers,
reamers, saw fragments, bits, axes and hatchets, plane blades, gimlets,
files, calipers, compasses, scribers, nail pulls, and a saw wrest. A
grindstone was found in a refuse pit not far from the historic church
tower.</p>
<h3><SPAN name="the_cooper" name="the_cooper"></SPAN>The Cooper</h3>
<p>Some tools used by the cooper, including draw shaves, adzes, plane
irons, and race knives, have been excavated. Several barrel
staves—probably made at Jamestown—were found in a few wells. Because
of the great demand for barrels, casks, and hogsheads (both in Virginia
and England) the Jamestown cooper was a busy artisan. His products were
needed at all times, especially after 1620 when the Virginia settlers
began shipping large quantities of tobacco to England in wooden
hogsheads.</p>
<div class="illustration" id="box063"><SPAN href="images/063.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/063s.jpg" title="Timbering—one of the first English industries in the New World. (Painting by Sidney E. King.)" alt="[Illustration: Timbering—one of the first English industries in the New World. (Painting by Sidney E. King.)]" width-obs="545" height-obs="278" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Timbering—one of the first English industries in the New World. <span class="by">(Painting by Sidney E. King.)</span></div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box064"><SPAN href="images/064.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/064s.jpg" title="An early 17th-century, two-man, crosscut saw." alt="[Illustration: An early 17th-century, two-man, crosscut saw.]" width-obs="495" height-obs="83" /></SPAN><div class="caption">An early 17th-century, two-man, crosscut saw.</div>
</div>
<h3><SPAN name="the_woodcutter_and_sawyer" name="the_woodcutter_and_sawyer"></SPAN>The Woodcutter and Sawyer</h3>
<p>Numerous tools found on Jamestown Island relate to timbering, including
felling axes, hewing axes, hatchets, saws, and wedges. An early
17th-century two-man crosscut saw has been recovered almost intact.
Records indicate that pit saws were used, although none has been
excavated.</p>
<h3><SPAN name="the_ironworker" name="the_ironworker"></SPAN>The Ironworker</h3>
<p>A small, primitive hearth or furnace, where small amounts of iron may
have been smelted during the early part of the 17th century, was
uncovered during archeological explorations in 1955. A few miles upriver
from Jamestown, at Falling Creek, the English built their first iron
furnace in America in 1620-21. Iron was smelted in the furnace, and a
few tools were forged—the first iron objects made in the New World by
the English. In 1622 the Indians massacred the ironworkers and their
families, and destroyed the furnace. Although it was never rebuilt, its
importance cannot be overstressed, for the Falling Creek site can
rightfully claim the honor of being the birthplace of the American iron
industry.</p>
<div class="illustration" id="box065"><SPAN href="images/065.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/065s.jpg" title="A few of many tools unearthed at Jamestown which were used for timbering: felling axes, a hewing axe, adze, hatchet, wedge, and saw fragment." alt="[Illustration: A few of many tools unearthed at Jamestown which were used for timbering: felling axes, a hewing axe, adze, hatchet, wedge, and saw fragment.]" width-obs="430" height-obs="276" /></SPAN><div class="caption">A few of many tools unearthed at Jamestown which were used for timbering: felling axes, a hewing axe, adze, hatchet, wedge, and saw fragment.</div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box066"><SPAN href="images/066.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/066s.jpg" title="Making “trialls” of iron. Evidences of an earth oven or small furnace were discovered at Jamestown during archeological explorations. Small amounts of iron may have been smelted in the furnace during the early years of the settlement. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)" alt="[Illustration: Making “trialls” of iron. Evidences of an earth oven or small furnace were discovered at Jamestown during archeological explorations. Small amounts of iron may have been smelted in the furnace during the early years of the settlement. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)]" width-obs="535" height-obs="405" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Making “trialls” of iron. Evidences of an earth oven or small furnace were discovered at Jamestown during archeological explorations. Small amounts of iron may have been smelted in the furnace during the early years of the settlement. <span class="by">(Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)</span></div>
</div>
<h3><SPAN name="the_blacksmith" name="the_blacksmith"></SPAN>The Blacksmith</h3>
<p>In 1955, archeologists discovered the remnants of an early 17th-century
forge. At the site, blacksmith’s tools, bar iron, sword guards,
unfinished iron objects, and slag were found. This gave evidence that a
blacksmith once plied his trade only a few yards west of the ancient
brick church. Many blacksmiths worked at Jamestown (there was one among
the first group of settlers). In the Jamestown collection are many tools
which they left behind, including pliers, pincers, chisels, punches,
hammers, and a small anvil.</p>
<h3><SPAN name="the_boatbuilder" name="the_boatbuilder"></SPAN>The Boatbuilder</h3>
<p>Many small boats were built at Jamestown. They were built by English
shipwrights and carpenters, who came from a long line of efficient
craftsmen. These small vessels afforded the principal means of
transportation through the uncharted wilderness tidewaters of Virginia.
They were used for fishing, trade, and discovery. A few small
handwrought iron tools used by Jamestown boatbuilders have been
excavated on the historic island.</p>
<h3><SPAN name="the_potter" name="the_potter"></SPAN>The Potter</h3>
<p>In 1955 a pottery kiln site was discovered at Jamestown. Nearby were
found many utilitarian earthenware vessels of the 1625-40
period—definite evidence that pottery was made in Virginia over 300
years ago. Although made for everyday use, many of the pieces unearthed
are symmetrical and not entirely lacking in beauty. The unknown
Jamestown potters were artisans, trained in the mysteries of an ancient
craft, who first transplanted their skills to the Virginia wilderness.</p>
<div class="illustration" id="box067"><SPAN href="images/067.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/067s.jpg" title="Objects found at a 17th-century forge site at Jamestown: blacksmith’s tools, bar iron, a few incomplete items, sword guards, and slag. It appears that the forge was in operation as early as 1625." alt="[Illustration: Objects found at a 17th-century forge site at Jamestown: blacksmith’s tools, bar iron, a few incomplete items, sword guards, and slag. It appears that the forge was in operation as early as 1625.]" width-obs="538" height-obs="428" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Objects found at a 17th-century forge site at Jamestown: blacksmith’s tools, bar iron, a few incomplete items, sword guards, and slag. It appears that the forge was in operation as early as 1625.</div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box068"><SPAN href="images/068.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/068s.jpg" title="Building a small boat at Jamestown about 1650. (Painting by Sidney E. King.)" alt="[Illustration: Building a small boat at Jamestown about 1650. (Painting by Sidney E. King.)]" width-obs="541" height-obs="288" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Building a small boat at Jamestown about 1650. <span class="by">(Painting by Sidney E. King.)</span></div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box069"><SPAN href="images/069.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/069s.jpg" title="Boat-building tools found, all made before 1700." alt="[Illustration: Boat-building tools found, all made before 1700.]" width-obs="433" height-obs="384" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Boat-building tools found, all made before 1700.</div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box070"><SPAN href="images/070.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/070s.jpg" title="Earthenware vessels made at Jamestown between 1625 and 1640. The site of an early 17th-century pottery kiln was discovered on the island in 1955." alt="[Illustration: Earthenware vessels made at Jamestown between 1625 and 1640. The site of an early 17th-century pottery kiln was discovered on the island in 1955.]" width-obs="523" height-obs="418" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Earthenware vessels made at Jamestown between 1625 and 1640. The site of an early 17th-century pottery kiln was discovered on the island in 1955.</div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box071"><SPAN href="images/071.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/071s.jpg" title="Making pottery at Jamestown, about 1625-40. (Painting by Sidney E. King.)" alt="[Illustration: Making pottery at Jamestown, about 1625-40. (Painting by Sidney E. King.)]" width-obs="540" height-obs="291" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Making pottery at Jamestown, about 1625-40. <span class="by">(Painting by Sidney E. King.)</span></div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box072"><SPAN href="images/072.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/072s.jpg" title="Artifacts found near the site of the Jamestown glasshouse which was in operation as early as 1608: a small melting pot, part of a working hole, fragment from large melting pot, cullet (broken or refuse glass shown in lower left corner), and green glass fragments (lower center and lower right)." alt="[Illustration: Artifacts found near the site of the Jamestown glasshouse which was in operation as early as 1608: a small melting pot, part of a working hole, fragment from large melting pot, cullet (broken or refuse glass shown in lower left corner), and green glass fragments (lower center and lower right).]" width-obs="531" height-obs="358" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Artifacts found near the site of the Jamestown glasshouse which was in operation as early as 1608: a small melting pot, part of a working hole, fragment from large melting pot, cullet (broken or refuse glass shown in lower left corner), and green glass fragments (lower center and lower right).</div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box073"><SPAN href="images/073.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/073s.jpg" title="Blowing glass at Jamestown in 1608. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)" alt="[Illustration: Blowing glass at Jamestown in 1608. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)]" width-obs="447" height-obs="335" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Blowing glass at Jamestown in 1608. <span class="by">(Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)</span></div>
</div>
<h3><SPAN name="the_glassblower" name="the_glassblower"></SPAN>The Glassblower</h3>
<p>Glassblowers were working at Jamestown in 1608-09, and again in 1621-24.
The trial glass they made in 1608 was sent to England—the first glass
manufactured by Englishmen in the New World. The small glass fragments
excavated at the furnace sites do not reveal what was produced, but
probably nothing more complicated than window glass, bottles and vials,
and plain drinking glasses. It is believed that the small glass factory
at Jamestown was the first English “factory” in America.</p>
<h3><SPAN name="the_brickmaker_and_tilemaker" name="the_brickmaker_and_tilemaker"></SPAN>The Brickmaker and Tilemaker</h3>
<p>Four brick kilns have been excavated. In two of them roofing tile and
bricks were found. An iron spade, probably used in preparing the clay
for brickmaking, was found in one of the kilns. The oldest kiln
unearthed is believed to have been in use as early as 1625. Many
brickmakers emigrated to Jamestown during the 1600’s.</p>
<h3><SPAN name="the_limeburner" name="the_limeburner"></SPAN>The Limeburner</h3>
<p>Four lime kilns were unearthed on the historic island, where oyster
shells from the James River were burned and converted into lime by the
limeburner. As early as 1610 “lymeburners” emigrated to Virginia, and
thereafter many such workers came to the colony from England.</p>
<div class="illustration" id="box074"><SPAN href="images/074.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/074s.jpg" title="Four brick kilns have been excavated. The one shown had five firing chambers. Roofing tiles were also made in the Jamestown brick kilns." alt="[Illustration: Four brick kilns have been excavated. The one shown had five firing chambers. Roofing tiles were also made in the Jamestown brick kilns.]" width-obs="436" height-obs="281" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Four brick kilns have been excavated. The one shown had five firing chambers. Roofing tiles were also made in the Jamestown brick kilns.</div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box075"><SPAN href="images/075.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/075s.jpg" title="A 17th-century lime kiln excavated at Jamestown. In it oyster shells from the James River were burned for making lime. The iron hoops which supported the arched top of the kiln buckled from the intense heat." alt="[Illustration: A 17th-century lime kiln excavated at Jamestown. In it oyster shells from the James River were burned for making lime. The iron hoops which supported the arched top of the kiln buckled from the intense heat.]" width-obs="440" height-obs="309" /></SPAN><div class="caption">A 17th-century lime kiln excavated at Jamestown. In it oyster shells from the James River were burned for making lime. The iron hoops which supported the arched top of the kiln buckled from the intense heat.</div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box076"><SPAN href="images/076.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/076s.jpg" title="Making lime from oyster shells in a kiln, about 1625. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)" alt="[Illustration: Making lime from oyster shells in a kiln, about 1625. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)]" width-obs="440" height-obs="340" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Making lime from oyster shells in a kiln, about 1625. <span class="by">(Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)</span></div>
</div>
<h3><SPAN name="other_craftsmen" name="other_craftsmen"></SPAN>Other Craftsmen</h3>
<p>Contemporary records, confirmed by certain objects found at Jamestown
(especially small tools), reveal that pewterers, silversmiths colliers,
wheelwrights, calkers, bricklayers, millwrights, shoemakers, masons,
cordage makers, tanners, tobacco pipemakers, armorers, gunmakers,
braziers, and others worked in the capital city at various periods
between 1607 and 1699.</p>
<div class="illustration" id="box077"><SPAN href="images/077.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/077s.jpg" title="A silversmith weighing clipped coins. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)" alt="[Illustration: A silversmith weighing clipped coins. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)]" width-obs="454" height-obs="581" /></SPAN><div class="caption">A silversmith weighing clipped coins. <span class="by">(Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)</span></div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box078"><SPAN href="images/078.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/078s.jpg" title="Brass weights and a piece of scrap brass unearthed at Jamestown. Records indicate that many metalworkers emigrated to Virginia during the 17th century." alt="[Illustration: Brass weights and a piece of scrap brass unearthed at Jamestown. Records indicate that many metalworkers emigrated to Virginia during the 17th century.]" width-obs="439" height-obs="305" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Brass weights and a piece of scrap brass unearthed at Jamestown. Records indicate that many metalworkers emigrated to Virginia during the 17th century.</div>
</div>
<h2><SPAN name="home_industries" name="home_industries"></SPAN>Home Industries</h2>
<p>During archeological explorations many artifacts relating to household
and town industries were recovered. It is believed that many of these
small industries were home activities carried on in the houses at
Jamestown. A few of these activities, and the products of them are
mentioned briefly.</p>
<h3><SPAN name="spinning_and_weaving" name="spinning_and_weaving"></SPAN>Spinning and Weaving</h3>
<p>A few metal parts from spinning wheels and looms have been
excavated—reminders that the pioneer housewife who spun the thread and
yarn, and wove the cloth for her large family, was seldom idle.</p>
<h3><SPAN name="malting_and_brewing" name="malting_and_brewing"></SPAN>Malting and Brewing</h3>
<p>One Jamestown building or house (whose brick foundations were discovered
in 1955) appears to have been used for malting and brewing beer and ale,
or carrying out some activity requiring distillation. A few pieces of
lead were found which may have been part of a lead cistern for holding
barley. The three brick ovens that were uncovered may have been used
as drying kilns. A handle from a copper kettle was found near one of the
ovens, and pieces of copper and lead pipes were unearthed not far from
the building. The structure itself appears to have been used between
1625 and 1660.</p>
<div class="illustration" id="box079"><SPAN href="images/079.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/079s.jpg" title="Spinning thread or yarn and weaving cloth were endless chores for the women living in the small wilderness settlement. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)" alt="[Illustration: Spinning thread or yarn and weaving cloth were endless chores for the women living in the small wilderness settlement. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)]" width-obs="447" height-obs="252" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Spinning thread or yarn and weaving cloth were endless chores for the women living in the small wilderness settlement. <span class="by">(Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)</span></div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box080"><SPAN href="images/080.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/080s.jpg" title="Brewing beer at Jamestown. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)" alt="[Illustration: Brewing beer at Jamestown. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)]" width-obs="447" height-obs="502" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Brewing beer at Jamestown. <span class="by">(Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)</span></div>
</div>
<h3><SPAN name="dairying_and_cheesemaking" name="dairying_and_cheesemaking"></SPAN>Dairying and Cheesemaking</h3>
<p>Earthenware milk pans, bowls and pots, iron hoops (from wooden vessels),
an earthenware funnel, and parts of skimmers, sieves, and ladles have
been excavated. All these are evidence that dairying was an important
household industry. This activity was usually carried on in a
brick-paved room (with slatted windows) located on the northwest side of
the house. Cheese, as well as butter, was probably made in the same
room.</p>
<div class="illustration" id="box081"><SPAN href="images/081.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/081s.jpg" title="Lead and copper pipes, kettle fragments, a brass spigot, and other items found which may have been used for brewing or distilling purposes." alt="[Illustration: Lead and copper pipes, kettle fragments, a brass spigot, and other items found which may have been used for brewing or distilling purposes.]" width-obs="543" height-obs="453" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Lead and copper pipes, kettle fragments, a brass spigot, and other items found which may have been used for brewing or distilling purposes.</div>
</div>
<h3><SPAN name="baking" name="baking"></SPAN>Baking</h3>
<p>One of the largest objects that has been found is an earthenware baking
oven, which was unearthed in an old ditch near the site of the
May-Hartwell House. Restored from over 200 fragments, the oven was
probably used between 1650 and 1690. It may have been made at Jamestown,
molded of native clay and fired in a pottery kiln. In use, heated stones
were placed inside the oven and left until the walls were hot enough for
baking. Sometimes, however, the oven may have been placed directly on
the embers of the fire. It undoubtedly was used out of doors, near a
small house.</p>
<h3><SPAN name="associated_industries" name="associated_industries"></SPAN>Associated Industries</h3>
<p>A few artifacts that have been recovered are associated with millers,
drapers, basketmakers, cutlers, tailors, barbers, netmakers, and
glovers. These tradesmen usually worked in or near their homes.</p>
<div class="illustration" id="box082"><SPAN href="images/082.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/082s.jpg" title="Earthenware milk pan, brass ladle, funnel fragment, and other items found which relate to dairying and cheesemaking." alt="[Illustration: Earthenware milk pan, brass ladle, funnel fragment, and other items found which relate to dairying and cheesemaking.]" width-obs="545" height-obs="397" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Earthenware milk pan, brass ladle, funnel fragment, and other items found which relate to dairying and cheesemaking.</div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box083"><SPAN href="images/083.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/083s.jpg" title="Baking bread in an outdoor baking oven about 1650. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)" alt="[Illustration: Baking bread in an outdoor baking oven about 1650. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)]" width-obs="462" height-obs="290" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Baking bread in an outdoor baking oven about 1650. <span class="by">(Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)</span></div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box084"><SPAN href="images/084.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/084s.jpg" title="In this oven a Jamestown woman baked bread over 300 years ago. It appears to have been in use between 1650 and 1690." alt="[Illustration: In this oven a Jamestown woman baked bread over 300 years ago. It appears to have been in use between 1650 and 1690.]" width-obs="523" height-obs="414" /></SPAN><div class="caption">In this oven a Jamestown woman baked bread over 300 years ago. It appears to have been in use between 1650 and 1690.</div>
</div>
<div class="illustration" id="box085"><SPAN href="images/085.jpg">
<ANTIMG class="illustration" src="images/085s.jpg" title="Jamestown soldiers carrying polearms (a halberd and a bill). (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)" alt="[Illustration: Jamestown soldiers carrying polearms (a halberd and a bill). (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)]" width-obs="379" height-obs="516" /></SPAN><div class="caption">Jamestown soldiers carrying polearms (a halberd and a bill). (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)</div>
</div>
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