Colonial Williamsburg!

What Is Colonial Williamsburg?

Colonial Williamsburg is a historical park made of original 18th Century homes and restored buildings, a living town of history!

What Makes It Historical?

In 1699, the Virginia House of Burgesses voted to move the colonial capital from the island of Jamestowne to a more central location: Middle Plantation (later renamed Williamsburg after King William III). This would be the seat of Virginia’s colonial government all the way until 1779, and plenty of important events happened here leading up to the Revolution!

Here at Williamsburg, Patrick Henry gave his Stamp Act Resolutions, and George Mason wrote up the Virginia Declaration of Rights and Resolution for Independence, a precursor to the Declaration of Independence! Virginia laid the groundwork for constitutions state and national here in 1776, and Thomas Jefferson introduced his Statute for Religious Freedom. This is also where Governor Dunmore confiscated gunpowder from the public Magazine to prevent a rebellion but ended up inspiring militias to march against him, called the Gunpowder Incident!

Though Williamsburg declined after the capital moved to Richmond, in 1924, Rev. Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin pitched the idea of restoring the city to philanthropist, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. That led to one of the most massive restorations in US History: 100 buildings restored and 350 reconstructed on their original foundations, as guided by photographs! The project launched in 1927, and the first buildings opened to the public in 1932! Between 1934 and the 1970s, Williamsburg evolved into a fully fledged Historic Area with folks in period attire and historically authentic crafts!

How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?

Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
Donate to Colonial Williamsburg!
Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!