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Colonial Williamsburg: A Trip Through the Past
The Colonial town of Williamsburg, Virginia is like taking a trip back to 18th-century America. Colonial Williamsburg‘s historic area is one of the popular tourist attractions in the U.S. and is just a short drive from Richmond. Visitors can get a taste of over four centuries of British and American history preserved through interpretations, reenactments, museums, and archeological digs. Established in 1699, the town served as the Virginia Colony‘s colonial capital until 1780.
In addition to learning about the colony’s rich history, visitors can tour many historical sites. You can find restaurants, lodging, and attractions both day and night. In Williamsburg, you will never run out of events and attractions to explore. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Williamsburg.
Historical Sites in Williamsburg
The Governor’s Palace
Originally built in 1722, this was where all the social gatherings took place in Williamsburg. From exotic dinners, galas, and balls, you could find it all at the Governor’s Palace. The original structure burned down but was replaced in 1934. Before the current governor’s mansion was built in Virginia, this building served as the mansion for the state’s first two governors. The beautiful brick structure is lined with hedges and shrubbery. Rooms inside the mansion feature weaponry of the time. If you look inside the kitchen, you will be amazed to see the delicious food of the time being prepared.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg, located at 101 Visitor Center Drive, is operated by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and calls itself the “world’s largest living history museum.” The reconstructed town features over 100 structures replicated from the 1700s. Visitors will be in awe of the bustling community of shopkeepers, artisans, and regular Americans going about their day-to-day duties. Visitors are also treated to reenactments, trials, and military drills of the time. Check out other exciting daily activities like carriage rides and walking tours. Find shops, taverns, and historic buildings at every turn on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street. Check the Colonial Williamsburg website to purchase admission tickets.
George Wythe House
The George Wythe House was constructed in the 18th century for prominent lawyer George Wythe. The private home is fashioned with the same decor from 1700s Williamsburg. George Wythe gained prominence as a skilled orator who was also the mentor of Thomas Jefferson. His signature is also listed on the Declaration of Independence. Wythe’s house also served as headquarters for George Washington before the Yorktown Siege. The pristine property has many outer buildings and areas available to tour, including stables, a smokehouse, a kitchen, and a formal garden.
Historic Jamestown
Tourists can view over 2,000 artifacts at the historic Jamestown Visitor Center. Exhibits found on the site date back millions of years. However, the excavations unearth several items that show how the European settlers lived. There are many dig sites to explore that include the remnants of a bakery, blacksmith shop, and church. The walking tour is usually guided by a local scholar or archaeologist.
Bassett Hall
Bassett Hall was the original home of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. The 18th-century home underwent renovations and has been restored to its 1930’s condition. Before the guide, a 15-minute film tells the story of the Rockefeller family and how the family and their home fit into Williamsburg’s history. Don’t miss the flower garden located on the sprawling property. The Brush-Everhard House is very close by. This house, built in 1773, is also worth a look. It was the home of apprentice Thomas Everhard who rose through the ranks of society to become one of the area’s most prominent leaders. This beautifully restored home features a smokehouse, a handcrafted staircase, and the original replicated kitchen.
Great Hopes Plantation
The Great Hopes Plantation provides a history of the lives of the enslaved. It is a recreation of a family home commonly seen in the area during this time. This plantation features building reproductions and costumed people demonstrating the lifestyle and tasks of the day. See the living quarters of the enslaved and watch recreations firsthand in this educational and immersive learning experience.
College of William and Mary
Founded in 1693, The College of William and Mary is the United State’s second-oldest college. Many prominent men attended this college, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Tyler. The Wren Building, the country’s oldest educational structure, still stands. The building’s first floor has a wealth of history. Educational tours with stories about the school’s history are held regularly. Visitors can also enjoy museum exhibitions, sculptures, and even organ concerts.
Williamsburg Shopping and Dining
Artisan Shops
These interesting shops feature costumed craftspeople skillfully demonstrating how people of the day created tools, clothing, and utensils of the 18th century. Visitors can also tour blacksmith shops, gunsmiths, a foundry and silversmith shop, and a cabinet maker shop. The apothecary shop shows how doctors went about their duties treating patients. You can also watch how hats and wigs were fashioned. Many of these shops are located in Merchants Square (in the center of Williamsburg) or along Duke of Gloucester Street.
Dine In Colonial Taverns
Taverns were very popular during the 18th century. It is the place where townspeople met and weary travelers stopped to get food and sometimes lodging. In Williamsburg, visitors can get a taste of the dishes and brews of the times. The Raleigh Tavern was probably the most popular of all the taverns. It was favored by the political leaders of the time. Other taverns to tour include Wetherburn’s Tavern, King’s Arms Tavern, Chowning’s Tavern, and Christiana Campbell’s Tavern. The latter was the favorite of George Washington. Some of the taverns are rumored to be haunted. If you aren’t quick to frighten, take a 2-hour Williamsburg ghost tour. This guided tour shows all of the haunted spots.
Art Museums of Williamsburg
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Don’t forget about the art museums of Colonial Williamsburg! The Abby Aldrich Museum holds a wealth of American folk art. It’s one of the largest collections in the entire United States! Whether you are a trained artist or just a person who enjoys beautiful historical items, you will be impressed. You will find beautiful sculptures, quilts, paintings, woodcarvings, and other items.
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
The DeWitt Wallace holds hundreds of American and British art pieces that date back to the 18th century and the time of the American Revolution. Marvel at historical figures in the museum’s portrait gallery and view hundreds of objects from everyday life.
If you plan on visiting the Williamsburg area anytime soon, there are many resources to help you plan your stay. This colonial city has many historical events, attractions, and activities to see. For everything you need to know about a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, visit Relax Williamsburg!
