Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg, Virginia: During the American independence from Great Britain, Williamsburg was the forefront of the efforts. Though careful historical research, much of the area has been preserved and operates as it would have during the 1770’s. Today the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation operates a living museum where the past comes to life, allowing visitors an insight to life during the revolution.

Following the European’s settlements in Jamestown, they settlers began to move further north resulting in the colonization of Williamsburg area in 1638. It became known as Middle Plantation. During Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676 the capitol in Jamestown was burnt down, so leaders decided to temporarily relocate the House of Burgesses to the Middle Plantation. After the Jamestown capitol was destroyed for a second time in 1698, the House of Burgess decided to permanently relocate the capitol to Middle Plantation and the village was renamed Williamsburg in honor to King William III.

The colonist began to revolt against the English leaders and in April of 1775 Governor Dunmore ordered that all gunpowder be seized, fearing a rebellion by the colonists. This was felt to be a precursor to the American Revolution. Following the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the English capitol was moved to Richmond. After losing the capitol, Williamsburg also lost much of its status. Its location made it difficult to travel in and out of, thus limiting visitors to the town.

The town was neglected and fell into disrepair. It wasn’t until the 1920’s when Dr. Goodwin enlisted the help of John D Rockefeller and began the restoration efforts. The quietly purchased many of the historic properties and the work began. Phase one of the project was the demolition of any buildings that were built after the revolution period. They then worked to restore the remaining buildings and to recreate the buildings that were destroyed. The result was a village resembling what was here during the revolution period.

Today Colonial Williamsburg is a living museum operated the by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Once visitors check in and tour the exhibits of the welcome center, they board a bus into the historic area. Inside the historic area, visitors are greeted by historical interpreters that help bring the past to life.

Guests are able to tour through many buildings and experience life during the colonial era, the buildings available for tour are:

• Capitol
• Raleigh Tavern
• Wheelwight Shop
• Blacksmith Shop
• Silversmith Shop
• Miliner Shop
• Wigmaker Shop
• Courthouse
• Gaol
• Magazine
• Peyton Randolph House
• George Wythe House
• Governor’s Palace
• And more historic buildings, gardens and more.

Colonial Williamsburg goes great lengths to make history come alive and bring you into the story. After a day touring the sites, its hard to imagine that we are still in present day and not in the midst of the American Revolution.

For more photos, visit my Colonial Williamsburg photo gallery.

Updated February 27, 2010

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