History In Action
This guide provides a preview of what you'll see and experience when you visit Colonial Williamsburg, VA.
Prepare for your trip with recommended resources, tips for an enjoyable visit and plenty of pictures to get you started.
About Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg' is the historic district of the independent city of Williamsburg, Virginia. It consists of many of the buildings that, from 1699 to 1780, formed colonial Virginias capital. The capital straddled the boundary of two of the original shires of Virginia, James City Shire (now James City County), and Charles River Shire (now York County). For most of the 18th century, Williamsburg was the center of government, education and culture in the Colony of Virginia. It was here that Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, James Monroe, James Madison, George Wythe, Peyton Randolph, and dozens more helped mold democracy in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States.
The motto of Colonial Williamsburg is "that the future may learn from the past." http://xroads.virginia.edu/~UG99/dunnington/intro.html The Historic Area is meant to be an interpretation of a Colonial American city, with exhibits including dozens of authentic or accurately-recreated colonial houses and relating to American Revolutionary War history. Prominent buildings in Colonial Williamsburg include the Raleigh Tavern, the Capitol, The Governor's Palace, and Bruton Parish Church. However, rather than simply an effort to preserve antiquity, the combination of extensive restoration and thoughtful recreation of the entire colonial town facilitates envisioning the atmosphere and understanding the ideals of 18th century American revolutionary leaders. Interpreters work, dress, and talk as they did in the era, teaching visitors more about the site.
The 301-acre Historic Area is located immediately east of the College of William and Mary, which was founded at Middle Plantation in 1693. The new College, long a desire of the colonists, was a key factor in the establishment of the town as capital of Virginia in 1698 and its renaming for King William III of England shortly thereafter. As the new city was laid out, the school's Wren Building stood at the western end of Duke of Gloucester Street, where it still stands today, opposite the site of the Capitol where the Burgesses and later legislators met.
Colonial Williamsburg is a major source of tourism to the Williamsburg area. It has also become a touchstone for many world leaders and heads of state, including U.S. Presidents. In 1983, the United States hosted the first World Economic Conference at Colonial Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is the centerpiece of the surrounding Historic Triangle of Virginia area, which has become a popular tourist destination for visitors domestic and foreign. Jamestown and Yorktown, the other two points of the Historic Triangle, are linked to Colonial Williamsburg by the National Park Service's bucolic Colonial Parkway.
The Governor's Palace
One of the most recognized buildings in Williamsburg is the Governor's Palace. A tour is well worth your time.
More Info
- Colonial Williamsburg
- The official website for Colonial Williamsburg. Get the latest info on events, tickets, special offers, educational resources and even take a virtual tour of the city.
What is your favorite part of visiting Colonial Williamsburg?
Recommended Reading
Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg
Amazon Price: (as of 12/04/2008) 
Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown: The Official Guide to America's Historic Triangle
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 12/04/2008)
The Fife and Drum Corps
Colonial Williamsburg's fife and drum corps perform daily marching through the town's streets and at special events.
More about Colonial Williamsburg
The Gardens of Colonial Williamsburg
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 12/04/2008)
The Williamsburg Cookbook: Traditional and Contemporary Recipes
Amazon Price: $16.61 (as of 12/04/2008)
The Majesty of Colonial Williamsburg (Majesty Architecture Series)
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 12/04/2008)
Williamsburg: Decorating with Style
Amazon Price: (as of 12/04/2008)
Get the kids ready...
They'll probably come up with their own list of top things to see and do during your stay. That's great! It means they're interested and excited.
A Colonial Town: Williamsburg (Historic Communities)
An introduction to the town and its history written for elementary school age kids.
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 12/04/2008)
If You Lived In Williamsburg in Colonial Days
A story of life growing up in Colonial Williamsburg.
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 12/04/2008)
What do you think of Colonial Williamsburg?
What's Happening At Colonial Williamsburg
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byRecommended Sites and Attractions around Williamsburg
- Williamsburg Winery
- Visit this beautiful winery only a short drive from Colonial Williamsburg.
- Busch Gardens - The Old Country
- Enjoy the rides, shows and other thrills set in old world Europe.
- Shirley Plantation
- Established in 1613, Shirley Plantation is Virginia's first plantation and the oldest family owned business in North America. If you only have time to tour one of the James River plantations, this is the one.
- Jamestown and Yorktown
- Visit Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Visit Yorktown where the British army surrendered to General Washington ending the American Revolution.
- Berkeley Plantation
- Berkeley is the birthplace of William Henry Harrison, 9th U.S. President and Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Tips for a successful visit.
- Be Prepared to Walk - There is a lot to see in Colonial Williamsburg, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Try to plan out your route in advance to minimize backtracking.
- Dress for the Weather - Williamsburg's climate is typically mild but can get hot and humid in the summer. Check the latest forecast on WeatherBug.
- Research Special Offers - The official CW hotels usually offer package rates that include the exhibit admissions. Check their official site for details.
- Make Dinner Reservations Early - Reservations fill up quickly for the on site restaurants.
- Take At Least One Guided Walking Tour - They're very informative, fun and give you a deeper understanding of colonial life. The guides are knowledgeable and able to answer any questions.
Visit all year round...
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Christmas In Colonial Williamsburg
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Experience Christmas the old fashioned way in historic Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg is a great family destination any time of year, but it's best in December when the town's buildings are beautifully decorated for Christmas. A...
Messages from Colonial Williamsburg
Podcasts
Listen to behind the scenes interviews with the historians, tradesmen, interpreters, musicians and others who make Colonial Williamsburg such a wonderful and educational place to visit.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byTell your story...
Ok, it's not like signing the Declaration of Independence, but please share your thoughts on Colonial Williamsburg. What advice would you give someone planning their first trip to Williamsburg?
