JAMESTOWN, Va. (AP) – President Bush, who is fond of promoting the endurance of freedom, made a pilgrimage Sunday to the settlement where the nation began to take shape centuries ago in swampland.

Mr. Bush came to honor the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, America’s first permanent English colony. It began in 1607 as a grueling commercial venture, and over time, became a starting point of representative government, free enterprise and cultural diversity.

Later, the president planned to speak to more than 25,000 people attending the anniversary celebration.

But first, he played tourist with first lady Laura Bush.

On a gray day, they began with a walking tour of Historic Jamestowne, where archeologists continue to unearth storied remains. The structure of the settlers’ original triangular fort – long thought to have been washed way – has been recovered. So, too, have tools, pottery and jewelry.

The president viewed the remains of a water well and the original brick foundation of 17th century governor’s home.

Mr. Bush’s visit was to include a stroll through Jamestown Settlement, where early 17th century living is re-enacted. The settlement features replicas of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia, along with recreations of the colonists’ fort and an Powhatan Indian village.

His speech was planned for nearby Anniversary Park. The former campground was built just for this three-day weekend, the centerpiece of an elaborate 18-month commemoration in the works for a decade.

Virginia has thrown major Jamestown celebrations every 50 years, but this one has given more recognition to three cultures – English, African and Indian – to tell a fuller story.

With the arrival of the English in May 1607, native Indian tribes eventually were pushed off their lands, and slavery in America is traced to Jamestown, where the first Africans in the country arrived in 1619.

Elizabeth, the Queen of England, visited Jamestown 10 days ago, accompanied by Vice President Cheney and Governor Kaine, Democrat of Virginia. She toured the grounds at length, returning to a spot that she had seen as queen in 1957, in her first visit to America as England’s monarch.

Mr. Bush came on the actual anniversary of the settlers’ arrival.

Four centuries ago, a group of 104 English men and boys began a settlement on the banks of James River, enduring lack of food, disease and struggling attempts at commerce en route to establishing a permanent colony.

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On The Net:

Jamestown 2007: http://www.Americas400thAnniversary.com