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The 9 Best Historical Sites in Williamsburg, Virginia: Your Guide Through the Past
Taking a trip to Williamsburg is a vacation back in time. Not only can you visit historic structures, but you can also see history come to life on the streets and experience the life of residents during colonial and revolutionary times.
Williamsburg is considered to be part of Virginia’s “Historic Triangle,” along with Jamestown and Yorktown. All three sites are located in coastal Virginia between the York and James Rivers. When you visit Williamsburg, American history is all around you! Here’s a guide to the best historical sites in Williamsburg and the surrounding area.
Colonial Williamsburg
Of course, we have to start this list with the big one: Colonial Williamsburg. Back in the 1920s, John D. Rockefeller Jr. provided the funds to preserve and repair historic buildings in Williamsburg, creating a “living history museum” that recreated what life was like in America during colonial times up to the late 18th century and the American Revolution.
Over 100 original and reconstructed buildings are in the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg, showcasing various merchants and tradespeople. Colonial Williamsburg employees, known as “historical interpreters,” dress in period costumes and act out their roles as citizens living in the Colonial Era or during the American Revolutionary War.
Duke of Gloucester Street runs through the center of the restored section of Williamsburg, where you can find gift shops and taverns. Remember that before entering any of the historic buildings, you will need to purchase a ticket. This also includes admission to the Governor’s Palace, museums, and other attractions in Colonial Williamsburg.
Historic Jamestowne
Just a few miles away from Williamsburg is where you’ll find Historic Jamestowne. Jamestown was the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America and served as the capital of the Virginia Colony until 1698 when it was moved to Williamsburg. The site is presently overseen by Preservation Virginia, in conjunction with the National Park Service.
Visitors to Historic Jamestowne can see artifacts in two places. The Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center holds a collection of over 1000 items that span the area’s history, from prehistoric times all the way to the Colonial Era. An even bigger collection of historical artifacts can be seen at The Archaearium, the nearby archaeology museum which boasts a collection of over 4000 artifacts.
A guided walking tour is also included with admission to Historic Jamestowne, giving guests an insight into present-day archaeological work and the lives of the past settlers.
Jamestown Settlement
Close to Historic Jamestowne, you’ll find Jamestown Settlement, another “living history museum” which showcases replicas of the original James Fort, a Powhatan village, and the ships that the original settlers sailed to North America.
There is also the 30,000-square-foot exhibition space with a collection of more than 500 objects that illuminate the lives of all inhabitants: European, Native American, and African. The exhibition space recently underwent a $10 million improvement and enhancement, with updates to galleries and theaters.
The experience is further enhanced by costumed historical interpreters who demonstrate the tasks and jobs that would have made up the lives of the settlers and natives.
Governor’s Palace
Once the social hub of Williamsburg, the Governor’s Palace was the official residence of the royal governors of the Colony of Virginia after its completion in 1722. After the Revolutionary War, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson lived here during their terms as Governor of Virginia. The state capital was moved to Richmond in 1780, and the original Governor’s Palace burned down in 1781. What we see today is a recreation from 1935 on the foundations of the original structure.
The interior of the Governor’s Palace is furnished in period-appropriate decor and holds exhibits of colonial weapons and artifacts. The palace’s grounds include terraced formal gardens and a hedge maze.
College of William and Mary
The College of William and Mary is the second oldest college in the United States, founded in 1693. Among its many former students are familiar names like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe. The campus contains the oldest active educational building in the United States, the Wren Building. It was originally constructed in 1695, but the present structure dates from 1732.
Visitors to the College of William and Mary can tour the first floor of the Wren Building or be shown around by The Spotswood Society, a volunteer student organization, when classes are in session.
Bassett Hall
Built in the mid-18th century, Bassett Hall was once the home of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller when they would make their twice-annual visit to Williamsburg. In 1979, the Rockefeller family bequeathed Bassett Hall to Colonial Williamsburg, and the house has been open to the public ever since.
The interior of the home has been restored to its approximate appearance from the 1930s and 1940s. Guests can also tour the extensive gardens, which are in the Colonial Revival style.
The Capitol Building
The present Williamsburg Capitol building stands on the original site of Williamsburg’s first two capitol buildings. The present is a Colonial Revival-style reconstruction of the first Capitol, which burned down in 1747. The second building was completed in 1753 but burned down in 1832. In the early 20th century, the Capitol building was reconstructed along with many other buildings in Williamsburg. Guided tours through the Capitol start every 15 minutes.
Bruton Parish Church
Bruton Parish Church is located on Duke of Gloucester Street in the heart of the restored area of Colonial Williamsburg. The episcopal church, completed in 1715, is a beautifully well-preserved example of religious architecture in the British Colonies. The Bruton Parish Church still holds services today.
Make sure to also visit The Parish House and The Bruton Parish Shop, both located just one block west of the Church, toward Merchants Square.
George Wythe House
Near the Bruton Parish Church is the George Wythe House, which was built between 1752 and 1754. George Wythe received the house as a wedding present from his father-in-law (and the home’s architect), Richard Taliaferro. George Wythe was not only a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but also considered to be a mentor to influential Founding Fathers such as Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, and Henry Clay. The house also enjoyed a storied history; In 1781, it was George Washington’s headquarters before departing for the Yorktown battlefield.
In addition to the restored interior, visitors can also tour the grounds of the George Wythe House. Other buildings on the grounds include a smokehouse, external kitchen, laundry and dovecote, among other structures.
Uncover History at Williamsburg
There are plenty of historical sites in Williamsburg, Virginia. Through prehistoric times, the Colonial Era, the Civil War, and up to present day, it has become a collection of every period of American History. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Before you plan your trip to Williamsburg, make sure to visit Relax Williamsburg, where you’ll find all the insider information on where to eat, where to stay, and what to experience! You can also find tips & tricks for your travels at relaxandchill.us!
