Imagine yourself strolling down a dirt-laden street in 18th century Virginia on a warm, spring afternoon. Near the park you notice a crowd assembled beneath the shade of a giant oak. A man on a platform is addressing the audience – he is Thomas Jefferson. George Washington tips his three-cornered hat to you as he crosses the street just ahead; and George Mason and Patrick Henry debate states’ rights in front of Raleigh Tavern.
It is 1775, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Wouldn’t it be exhilarating to step back in time 223 years, to the eve of the American Revolution? It would be a wonder to witness the events tracing the decline of British influence in North America, which culminated in Virginia’s declaration of independence from Great Britain on May 15, 1776. These very events paved the way for the 12 remaining colonies to declare their independence, which they did at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia in July, culminating in America’s Declaration of Independence.
The streets and dwellings of Williamsburg in the 18th century is where our Founding Fathers and other Virginia patriots established the ideals—liberty, independence and personal freedom—that influenced the founding of our nation and have inspired generations of Americans since. This historical place and time has not been forgotten, however, but frozen in space and time—just as it was in the 18th century—along with its prominent citizens.
Located just northeast of Jamestown, where English colonization took root in 1607, and northwest of Yorktown, where George Washington and his Continental army defeated the British 174 years later, is Williamsburg, the colonial capital of the Virginia colony. From 1699 to 1780 Williamsburg was the capital of England’s oldest, largest, richest and most populous colony and the seat of power in the new nation’s most influential state, Virginia. Named in honor of William III, King of England, and designed by Royal Gov. Francis Nicholson, Williamsburg is one of the country’s oldest planned communities.
"It would be a wonder to witness the events tracing the decline of British influence in North America..."
In 1781, Thomas Jefferson moved Virginia’s government to Richmond and the city became a placid country town. In 1926 the Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, approached John D. Rockefeller, Jr. regarding the restoration of the sleepy village of his ministry to its storied colonial past. Rockefeller proceeded cautiously at first, investing a property at a time according to Goodwin’s original vision. Eventually, Rockefeller’s enthusiasm would match that of Goodwin’s. Rockefeller supported and financed Williamsburg’s restoration until his death in 1960. He and his wife, Abby, maintained a close personal interest in the restoration and spent part of each year at Bassett Hall, their Williamsburg home.
Today’s restored Colonial Williamsburg is presented in the 173-acre Historic Area, which includes 88 original buildings. There are also hundreds of other homes, shops, public buildings and other structures that have been reconstructed, most on their original foundations. Known worldwide as the nation’s largest outdoor living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg was recognized as one of America’s 25 “Essential Historic Sites” in the March 1998 special collector’s edition of Historic Traveler magazine and was named “Favorite Historic Site” by readers of Southern Living magazine.
"Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area portrays 18th century Williamsburg just as it appeared during the days that led up to the American Revolution."
Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area portrays 18th century Williamsburg just as it appeared during the days that led up to the American Revolution. Throughout the city, an enchanting collection of sights, sounds and activities capture one’s imagination and help visitors reconnect with America’s past. Blacksmiths, wigmakers, milliners, carpenters, coopers and a dozen other trades show how work was done in the days before mass production.
One of the most intriguing experiences would have to be the opportunity visitors have to interact with common 18th century residents, not to mention the likes of Thomas Jefferson or Martha Washington. Talk about virtual reality. This is as “virtual” as you can get without involving a time machine.
Visitors who want to know why Patrick Henry risked death by committing treason against the Crown need only ask him. And Jefferson is more than happy to share his thoughts on religious freedom over a hearty ale. Although women of Colonial Williamsburg in the 1800s were unable to vote, they exerted their influence in a variety of ways – as business owners, family leaders and social liaisons. The likes of printer Clementina Rind, Elizabeth Randolph, slave Charlotte, milliner Margaret Hunter and other Williamsburg women openly share their contributions and struggles during this difficult period. And unlike 200 years ago, African-American “slaves” in Williamsburg today are free to speak their minds. Their stories are gripping, humorous and forthright. Visitors will be moved by the stories told by these men, women and children—free and enslaved—who played a critical role in the community.
These living, breathing interpreters are not over 200-years-old, but skilled actors, well versed in the language of the day. They’ve done exhaustive scholarly research into the minds of their characters, be they from the highest rank in colonial society or the lowest. No matter what a visitor might say, they remain true to their characters. At Colonial Williamsburg history isn’t only visible, it lives, breathes, walks and talks.
"Today's restored Colonial Williamsburg is presented in the 173-acre Historic Area, which includes 88 original buildings.
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Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg can witness first-hand the four landmark headline events—spread over a four-day period—that led up to the American Revolution. These four dramatic reenactments trace the decline of Britain’s influence in the colonies culminating with Virginia’s declaration of independence. The events begin with the February 1774 arrival of Lady Dunmore from London, and lead to Virginia’s political leaders declaring her independence from Great Britain absolutely and unconditionally May 1776, and calling the other colonies to do likewise.
Among more than 100 million Historic Area visitors since 1932 have been many of the world’s leaders, including: Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. More than 100 heads of state and government have toured the site on their way to call on the White House. Many other officials, ministers and celebrities have also visited.
It is, however, 2002 everywhere else. Chances are, you won’t be riding a horse to town – it’s far more likely you'll be arriving in your recreational vehicle. Even so, at your first glimpse of the 18th century you’re sure to feel a sudden desire to leave your coach and hop into a horse-drawn carriage.
Colonial Williamsburg is midway between Richmond and Norfolk on I-64 (exit 238). After exiting, look for the green and white signs for the Visitor Center. There, you’ll find adequate parking for your coach. Once you purchase your admission pass, you can take the shuttle bus or walk to the Historic Area. |
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