The Susan Constant, the largest and flagship of the three re-created ships at Jamestown Settlement, has been around for more than 30 years. The 120-ton vessel was constructed in 1990 at the museum along the shores of the James River, where a sprawling lumberyard dotted the landscape. The ship was initially commissioned for $2.1 million from the Commonwealth of Virginia for research, architectural design, materials and construction.

Building the re-creation of the Susan Constant

Under the leadership of Eric Speth, director of Maritime Services for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Stanley Potter, a naval architect, and Allen Rawl, the master shipbuilder, a team of 70 craftsmen brought maritime historian Brian Lavery’s research to life over the course of a little more than a year. After a fanfare christening and launch on a chilly morning in December 1990, the Susan Constant underwent sea trials in February 1991 and was officially commissioned on April 25, 1991.

The ship’s design

The ship has a main deck, a ‘tween deck and a hold. Both the main deck and the ‘tween deck, which is six feet from floor to ceiling, are accessible to visitors. Located at the front of the main deck underneath the forecastle deck are a cook room and three cabins for seamen. Officers’ quarters on the opposite end of the deck include a great cabin and three smaller cabins. Officers navigate the ship from the quarterdeck, located above their quarters.

The ship’s masts and rigging

The Susan Constant has three masts and is square-rigged, with rectangular-cut sails set at right angles to the keel line. Located under the center and tallest mast, the mainmast, is a 1607 sixpence representing the year of the historic voyage from England to Virginia. A 1605 sixpence, representing the year in which the original ship was built, rests under the front, or foremast. A 1990 United States quarter dollar is under the rear, or mizzenmast. Each of the masts is equipped with a round platform, or “top,” from which sailors can work. The British national flag of 1607, which combines the English Cross of St. George and the Scottish Cross of St. Andrew, typically is flown from the mainmast. The Cross of St. George, a traditional English flag dating from the Middle Ages, is flown on the other two masts.

The ship is equipped with a whipstaff for steering (wheels were not used until the early 18th century). Eight gunports, four on each side, are located in the 'tween deck space. The original Susan Constant, a merchant ship, was equipped with cannons for self-defense. In the 17th century, this deck housed passengers and cargo.

The Susan Constant — a “floating classroom” that has welcomed countless visitors aboard over the past three decades — is commonly moored at Jamestown Settlement alongside re-creations of the Godspeed and Discovery, designated “the official fleet of the Commonwealth” by the Virginia General Assembly.

Susan Constant Photos

About Jamestown Settlement

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days), Jamestown Settlement is located on State Route 31 just southwest of Williamsburg. The museum features expansive exhibition galleries and films that connect visitors with the lives of the Powhatan, English and West Central African cultures that converged at 17th-century Jamestown. Outdoor living-history areas feature historical interpretation in re-creations of Paspahegh Town, 1607 English ships and a colonial fort.

Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Plan your visit today or call (757) 253-4838 for more information.

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