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. 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.
In its shops, taverns, government buildings, homes, and streets George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Mason, and other Virginia patriots establishe the ideals - liberty, independence, and personal freedom - that influenced the founding of our nation and have inspired generations of Americans and others around the world.
The Restoration of Williamsburg
Jefferson moved Virginia's capital to Richmond in 1781. Williamsburg became a quiet country town disturbed only by Union Gen. George McClellan's 1862 Peninsula Campaign during the Civil War.
in 1926 the Rev. Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, approached John D. Rockefeller Jr. about restoring the sleepy villiage of his ministry to its colonial past. Rockefeller proceeded cautiously at first, investing a property at a time in Goodwin's vision. Rockefeller secretly authorized the purchase of the first property, the Ludwell-Paradise House on December 7, 1926 in a telegram signed, "David's father."
Rockefeller's enthusiasm grew to match Goodwin's. Guided by the goal of providing an opportunity to remind future Americans of the patriotism and purpose of the past, 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.
The restored city is presently in the 173-acre Historic Area, which comprises 88 original buildings and hundreds of other homes, shops, public buildings, and other structures that have been reconstructed, most on their original foundations. The reconstructed Raleigh Tavern opened as the first public exhibition building in September 1932.
Historic Area
Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area portrays 18th-century Williamsburg as it appeared on the eve of the American Revolution. Throughout the city, an engaging mix of sights, sounds, and activities helps visitors reconnect with America's past and become active participants in 18th-century life.
Important Historic Area sites include: the Governor's Palace, the symbol of British authority in the colony; the Capitol, the seat of colonial power and the site of Virginia's vote for independence on May 15, 1776; the Peyton Randolph site, where historic trades carpenters are reconstructing Randolph's "urban plantation"; Raleigh Tavern, where Virginia patriots met to discuss independence in open defiance of the Crown, and the James Geddy House and Foundry, site of an up-and-coming family business.
Historic trade demonstrations, dramatic vignettes, interactive programs and encounters with "people of the past" take place in numerous exhibition sites and historic trade shops throughout the Historic Area. Homes, public buildings, and shops are furnished with objects from Colonial Williamsburg's extensive collection of English and American antiques and reproductions made by Colonial Williamsburg tradespeople.
The Historic Area encompasses 90 acres of greens and gardens that range from the formal splendor of the Governor's Palace garden to the ultilitarian kitchen garden of the James Geddy site. The Historic Area is protected from modern intrusions by a 3,000-acre greenbelt.
Museums
Colonial Williamsburg operates three museums within walking distance of the Historic Area: The DeWitt Wallace Gallery, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center, and Bassett Hall, the Williamsburg home of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller Jr.
For more information, visit the Colonial Williamsburg website.
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