The significant role Bermuda played in the settling of the US is becoming clearer as a result of archaeological discoveries at Jamestown in Virginia. And the link between the two countries was underscored when St. George’s mayor Mariea Caisey joined the likes of US president George W. Bush in placing an item in a time capsule marking the 400th anniversary of Jamestown.

An archaeological dig at the US city has uncovered bones of cahows, turtles and hogs, alongside Bermuda stone that may have been used as ballast on the Deliverance and Patience — in 1610.

A delegation of 25 from Bermuda was invited to the 400th anniversary celebrations at Jamestown. Ms Caisey placed a Bermuda Cedar friendship cup in a time capsule, a significant recognition for Bermuda as others invited to place objects in the capsule to mark the city’s historic anniversary included the US president himself.

Dr. George Cook, of the St. George’s Foundation, said: “Bermuda was chosen to be in this significant group. Mariea placed a friendship cup in the capsule and it really is a story of a friendship that spans four centuries.”

Jamestown was settled by English colonists in 1607, but they were left struggling for survival after a nine-ship relief fleet was reduced to seven when an Atlantic hurricane struck. One of that fleet, the Sea Venture, was shipwrecked on Bermuda and its survivors eventually built two ships to sail to Jamestown the following year.

It is from these two ships, the Deliverance and Patience, that the cahow, turtle bones and the Bermuda stone discovered in an archaeological dig at Jamestown are thought to have come. The arrival of the Bermuda ships, together with fresh supplies from the Island, are seen as a critical turning point in the survival of the struggling Jamestown community.

The recognition that Bermuda has received from Jamestown and Virginia could help develop more links with the US in terms of tourist visitors wishing to come to the Island to learn more about those historic links.

In the Jamestown visitor centre there is even a “Bermuda room” with artefacts and information about the Island and the role it played in the establishing of a community on the fringe of the newly discovered country even before the famous Plymouth Rock landings many years later. A cruise ship boarding terminal at Norfolk also contains a Bermuda room that allows passengers boarding their ships to learn about the Island.

“Passengers are immersed in Bermuda’s history while they are waiting for their ship,” said Sharon Jacobs, executive director of the St. George’s Foundation. The recent links between Jamestown and Bermuda go back ten years with one of the foundation’s founders and chairman Henry Hayward helping to forge the friendships that have continued and brought about the invite to play a part in the town’s 400th anniversary celebration.

In past months, Bermuda has also played a role in the Virginia International Tattoo, and the Spirit of Bermuda was involved in a gathering of tall ships off the coast of the State.

The 400th anniversary celebrations in Jamestown were attended by an estimated 100,000 people. Historical Bermuda-linked artefacts discovered in and around the city are to go on display. Jamestown also intends to have a six-month exhibition on Bermuda in 2009.

“That is indicative of the recognition of Bermuda in Jamestown’s story,” said Dr. Cook. The state (of Virginia) is also seeking Bermuda’s assistance in re-designing its school history curriculum to include more on Bermuda’s important role in the establishment of the earliest colony.

Dr. Cook said it was important that Bermuda continues to nurture its friendship links with Virginia and Jamestown.

Mr. Hayward feels the direct connection to St. George’s is significant and the new World Heritage Centre in the town could tie in with historic events that link to Bermuda and are of interest to US and Canadian visitors.

There are a number of significant “400th anniversary” dates approaching for Bermuda such as its own 400th anniversary (1609), the first permanent settlement (1612), the arrival of the first African in Bermuda (1616) and the first Government in Bermuda (1620).