  Williamsburg
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 781 Williamsburg Tips.1037 Williamsburg Photos.0 Williamsburg Videos. Williamsburg Pages by VeronicaG
| Page Views: 3,269 Last Visit to Williamsburg: April, 2004 | WILLIAMSBURG--A Taste of the 18th Century by VeronicaG - last update: Sep 22, 2006 |
Historic Williamsburg | The Raleigh Tavern--the center of political life |
The site of Williamsburg was first settled in 1633 by colonists from Jamestown as an outpost against Indian attack. It remained a rural village until by 1699 it had an inn, two mills, a blacksmith, stores and church. The college of William and Mary had just been established there.
Eventually, Williamsburg became a jewel in the crown of the British empire, but it was destined to become the place where the idea of independence grew. Patriots like George Washington, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson walked its streets; the latter two men becoming Governor's here.
The town flourished until the American Revolution, when the 18th century capital was moved from Williamsburg to Richmond, Virginia. Then it began to decline until it was rescued by John D. Rockefeller Jr., heir to the Standard Oil fortune. The mile long historic village was created for the purpose of teaching the future to learn from the past.
Eighty-eight buildings were still standing when the restoration began. Hundreds of others were reconstructed until finally creating the 301 acre historical area it is now. Williamsburg is the world's largest living history museum!
We've been to Williamsburg many times and never get tired of our trek through history! I'd suggest the Colonial Sampler ticket if you are traveling with children. It's $34 for adults and $15 for kids 6-17. It entitles you to visit Great Hopes Plantation, the Courthouse, Gaol, Magazine, and the homes of George Wythe and Peyton Randolph. There is free shuttle service and no charge parking at the Visitor's Center. A movie on Williamsburg is included, too, called "...The Story of a Patriot".
In order to see the Capitol and Governor's Palace you will need to take more extensive tours. Many shops in the historic area are open for all to visit, so enjoy the town and free demonstrations, but save the additional house tours for another time when they are older. We learned this from experience! For more details see www:history.org |
| Little soldier at the magazine |
|  | The Magazine The magazine was built in 1715 and used as a storehouse for the military. As a means of protecting the colony every able man age 21-60 years (with some exceptions) was expected to serve in the local militia. At one time 60,000 pounds of gunpower was stored here.
Pictured is a Colonial costume that can be rented for children, helping to make Williamsburg a real "experience" for them. See THINGS TO DO for more info. |
| Governor's Palace--viewed from the gardens |
| | The Governor's Palace The Governor's Palace projected an aura of royalty from the moment you entered the front door where swords and pistols line walls and ceilings, to the exquisite furnishings and lavish decorative touches throughout the residence. It was first occupied by royal Governor Alexander Spotswood, then served as an executive mansion to the colony's first governors, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. The original purpose of the palace was to operate as a residence and as the official headquarters of the King's representative--the Governor.
A ballroom demonstration was given on our tour of the palace. It was fun to watch! Royal portraits imperiously reigned from above and dining habits of the wealthy were described.
The gardens were spectacular! |
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| Pros: | "Historical sights; colonial characters;gorgeous gardens" | | In A Nutshell: | "A walk through history!" |
VeronicaG's Williamsburg Travel Tips
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 Comments for VeronicaG about Williamsburg | | | | |
deecat Thu Jun 5, 2008 14:44 UTC
Just wonderful! Brought great memories back to me. Loved tips on restaurants, Pottery Outlet, the sheep, Political discussions, and seeing Williamsburg in the different seasons. Darling photographs. | toni28 Fri Mar 9, 2007 13:33 UTC
Hopefully we can visit this place too on May, thanks for the tips. | ElaineCatherine Fri Jan 12, 2007 14:27 UTC
WOW! Your Williamsburg pages are really great.. and the photos are so sweet of your family. It brings back such good memories of my trip there! Now I want to go again! | scottishvisitor Thu Oct 5, 2006 20:25 UTC
Loved the history here Veronica and the seasonal thread which runs through this page |
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