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Thomas Everard House

Thomas Everard House

Visit the home of Thomas Everard, a wealthy planter and civic…
Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center

Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center

Stop in at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center to purchase…
Arboretum

Colonial Williamsburg Arboretum

The Colonial Williamsburg Arboretum is a Level 2 Certified Arboretum…
Relax Williamsburg Astronomical Pancake House.

Capitol Building

Walk the halls where the colony's representatives struggled with…
Benejamin Powell House

Benjamin Powell House

What was life like for children in Williamsburg? Take part in…
George Whythe House

George Whythe House

Explore the yard and first floor of the Wythe House. Discuss…
Palace Gardens

Palace Gardens

Experience the grandeur of royal authority in Virginia just before…
Bassett Hall

Bassett Hall

In 1926, John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller,…
Great Hopes Plantation

Great Hopes Plantation

During this self-guided tour, glimpse the daily life of a plantation…
Abby Aldrich

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

Art is in the eye of the beholder. In the galleries of the folk…

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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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