Attractions Archives - Page 2 of 2

Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center

April 5, 2022

Stop in at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center to purchase…

Thomas Everard House

April 5, 2022

Visit the home of Thomas Everard, a wealthy planter and civic…

Muscarelle Museum of Art

April 5, 2022

The Muscarelle Museum of Art, located at Lamberson Hall on the…

Water Country USA

April 5, 2022

Whether you’re on summer break or a family vacation, there…

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.

Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center

Thomas Everard House

Muscarelle Museum of Art

Water Country USA

THE HISTORY OF WILLIAMSBURG

RECENT POSTS

EXPLORE