[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.]

[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.)]

THE BLACKSMITH

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.

THE BOATBUILDER

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.

THE POTTER

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.

[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.]