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Children on a guided tour of the historic area.

History Buff? You Can’t Miss These Museums in Williamsburg VA

Big Ben decorated with Christmas lights in Busch Gardens’ Christmas town.

Looking for Some Seasonal Cheer? Spend the Holidays in Williamsburg VA

The luxurious Williamsburg Inn at night.

The Best Williamsburg Virginia Lodging: Sleep in Style During Your Stay

Fall decorations and foliage in Williamsburg VA.

Here’s Your List to a fun Williamsburg, VA Fall

People enjoying craft beer and food at a bar.

Sip and Savor the Flavors of These Restaurants and Bars in Williamsburg VA

Visitors walking through Merchants Square in Williamsburg.

Make Your Trip to Merchants Square the Ultimate Experience by Visiting These Places

A Williamsburg live music festival on the lawn of the art museums of Colonial Williamsburg.

Jam Out to Live Music in Williamsburg, Virginia

A woman sunbathing on a beachfront near Williamsburg VA.

Top 16 Beaches To Visit Near Williamsburg, Virginia

A family enjoying Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, VA’s indoor waterpark.

Splash-tastic Fun: Discover Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA

A Sicilian style pepperoni pizza from Williamsburg, VA

Top 9 Pizza Spots for the Best Pizza in Williamsburg, VA

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THE HISTORY OF WILLIAMSBURG

Prior to European settlement, the area around modern-day Williamsburg was settled by the indigenous American tribes of the Powhatan Confederacy. Williamsburg was first settled in 1638 and was originally referred to as Middle Plantation due to its location on the high ground in the middle of the Virginia Peninsula. In 1699, Middle Plantation was renamed Williamsburg in honor of King William III of England.

By the turn of the 20th century, Williamsburg was a quiet country village, and many colonial buildings, while still standing, were in disrepair. The Reverend Dr. D.A.R. Goodwin made it his goal to restore Williamsburg to its colonial spendor, seeking financial help from none other than John D. Rockefeller Jr., the heir to Standard Oil. It was due to the Rockefeller contributions that Williamsburg became what it is today: A living museum, with history preserved and on exhibit every day.

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