Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition Souvenir Plate, John Smith and Pocahontas

Souvenir plate commemorating the Jamestown Tercentennial Exhibition held in Norfolk, Virginia in 1907. The plate depicts a scene of Pocahontas rescuing John Smith.

The Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition was held in Norfolk, Virginia in 1907. Commemorating the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Jamestown Colony, England’s first permanent settlement in what would become the United States, the Exposition was held on the area of Sewell’s Point, by the waterways of the Hampton Roads. Like other Fair’s of the era, the Jamestown Exposition featured displays by various states and foreign countries, exhibits of arts and technologies, and performances, reenactments other amusements. The Jamestown Exposition distinguished itself for its presentation of the military might of the United States, having a modern Naval fleet permanently docked throughout its run. The Exposition was also marked for its Negro Building, built with a $100,000 grant from the United States government. The Jamestown Exposition was a financial failure, but the grounds were eventually converted into Naval Station Norfolk.

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