Comfort Suites® Williamsburg Historic Area Collection Hotel is the perfect place to rest your head when visiting historic Williamsburg, whether your visit is for work, play, or to visit the esteemed College of William and Mary. Our hotel is also near some of Virginia’s most iconic landmarks, making it the perfect location for guests interested in our state and national history. We are close to Colonial Williamsburg and the Jamestown Settlement, which are guest favorites to explore while staying with us.
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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.