As Jamestown continued to grow, its inhabitants began to spread out and settle the land surrounding the fort, including Hog Island. Several families went on to build small dwellings (none can be seen today) and farm the island for fruits, grains, tobacco and hogs.
In 1676, a rebellion led by Nathaniel Bacon resulted in much of the capital town being sacked and burned to the ground. Despite this, Jamestown remained the capital of Virginia until its major statehouse, burned in 1698. The capital then moved to Williamsburg in 1699, and Jamestown began to slowly disappear above the ground. 14, 21
