Jamestown Archives - Relax Williamsburg

Jamestown Settlement

April 5, 2022

Near the site of the original colony, discover the story of America’s…

Jamestown Settlement Ships

April 5, 2022

Along the shores of the James River, visitors can see re-creations…

James Fort

April 5, 2022

Inside the triangular wooden palisade of the re-created 1610-14…

Paspahegh Town

April 5, 2022

Explore the Powhatan way of life in a re-creation of Paspahegh…

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.

Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement Ships

James Fort

Paspahegh Town

THE HISTORY OF WILLIAMSBURG

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