Open area excavations began north of the Church Tower, in summer of 2000, following up on some enticing test units excavated in 1997 that indicated the presence of the east palisade line continuing north of the 17th-century Church Tower.

The construction of the Confederate earthwork in 1861, as well as, a later 19th-century road and early 20th-century fence impacted this area of James Fort. Luckily, there were significant features from the early 17th century surviving under the disturbed strata.

Over 100 feet of palisade line was uncovered leading towards the projected North Bulwark. Structure 166, the partial remains of an early building were also uncovered. This structure is 16-feet wide and a minimum of 36-feet long. The southern end of the building lies under the church tower and is unavailable for excavation. This structure has a seven by nine-foot cellar at the north end.

The discovery of Structure 166 is one more clue in discovering the layout of the interior of the James Fort from the early years. Both Structure 166 and Structure 160 are set back from the palisade 10 feet and are parallel to the walls. These two structures along with Structure 165 are the earliest colonial structures in Virginia and will be studied extensively.