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New Quarter Park

New Quarter Park

Located close to historic Williamsburg, this 545-acre park offers…
Quarterpath

Quarterpath Park

Quarterpath Park is a 23-acre park and provides a wide variety…
Ironbound Park

Ironbound Park

This 1.62-acre neighborhood-style park features a 0.18-mile ADA-accessible…
Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway

Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway

Powhatan Creek Park and Blueway is part of the Chesapeake Gateways…
York River State Park

York River State Park

York River State Park is located near the unincorporated town…
Bicentennial Park

Bicentennial Park

Park in Williamsburg.
Freedom Park

Freedom Park

Freedom Park has a rich historical background dating back to…
Waller Mill Bible Church

Waller Mill Park

Waller Mill Park is located at 901 Airport Road (Rt. 645) between…
College Landing Park

College Landing Park

Right down the road from the College of William & Mary, this…
Veterans Park

Veterans Park

Veterans Park is home to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial monument…

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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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