"WILLIAMSBURG--A Taste of the 18th Century" Williamsburg by VeronicaG

Williamsburg Travel Guide: 836 reviews and 1,118 photos

The Raleigh Tavern--the center of political life

Historic Williamsburg

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

The Magazine

Little soldier at 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.

The Governor's Palace

Governor's Palace--viewed from the gardens

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!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Historical sights; colonial characters;gorgeous gardens
In a nutshell:A walk through history!

Last visit to Williamsburg: Apr 2004
Intro Updated Sep 22, 2006
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (26)

Marot's Ordinary Things to Do (19)

This is one of the privately owned homes in Colonial Williamsburg. This building was once used as a tavern or inn in the... more travel advice

Visit The Norton-Cole House Things to Do (19)

The Norton-Cole House (circa 1809-1810) faces Market Square and was one of the preservation successes of Colonial... more travel advice

Visiting the Peyton Randolph House - Williamsburg

TOUR THE PEYTON RANDOLPH HOUSE Things to Do (19)

Peyton Randolph was an important figure in the history of Williamsburg. He was a statesman and well respected man around... more travel advice

Windmill--important aid in colonial times - Williamsburg

VISIT AN EARLY EXAMPLE OF THE WINDMILL Things to Do (19)

If you look hard enough, you'll find all sorts of interesting things to explore in Williamsburg. This is one of them! We... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
See All Colonial Williamsburg's First Hotel
Been to Williamsburg?
Share your travels with the world!

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (12)

deecat Jun 5, 2008 at 7:44 AM Report Abuse

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 Mar 9, 2007 at 5:33 AM Report Abuse

Hopefully we can visit this place too on May, thanks for the tips.
ElaineCatherine Jan 12, 2007 at 6:27 AM Report Abuse

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 Oct 5, 2006 at 1:25 PM Report Abuse

Loved the history here Veronica and the seasonal thread which runs through this page
Waalewiener Aug 10, 2006 at 8:56 PM Report Abuse

Very nice page Veronica ,I like the pottery I saw ,reminded me of the Delft Blue I think this is a nice place to visit for Lori & I and I hope we have that chance some day Good page Veronica
Nemorino May 10, 2006 at 12:49 PM Report Abuse

Brings back memories of my own visit to Williamsburg many years ago. A cousin of mine used to work there in the summers. She took care of horses.
barbskie Apr 8, 2006 at 4:02 PM Report Abuse

Yeah, i was here in Williamsburg last June but missed the Busch Gardens. Lack of time :-) Nice pics! Who's the little boy?
kyoub Mar 8, 2006 at 6:20 AM Report Abuse

Interesting history, good food, lovely gardens and great shopping. Sounds like you had a nice visit.
luckyzen Jan 11, 2006 at 7:11 PM Report Abuse

Hi Veronica, Thank you for dropping by my Hangzhou page. What a lovely town Williamsburg is......It is nice to find places like this. Great page!
LauraWest Dec 13, 2005 at 5:45 AM Report Abuse

thanks for your compliment on my swag;I used book on Williamsburg Christmas for ideas!! Love to visit someday! Your tips R great! U luv It all, don't U?!