In this section you will find some of the most notable locations to visit of Colonial Williamsburg as well as some fun facts. As you walk about the city, we highly recommend that you indulge in everything around you as there are so many incredible things to see and experience in this historic city. But if you’re limited by time, we think you’ll agree that these are the can’t miss locations. Hyperlinks are also provided to the Colonial Williamsburg website, Events calendar and Map of the City. 

Must See of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg | The World's Largest Living History Museum

Events  | Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Map of Colonial Williamsburg | Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

A symbol of the British Empire’s prestige and power during the colonial period, this tour of the palace and it’s surrounding gardens provide insight into the life of the Governor, his family and the servants that took care of the  day to day tasks required to keep the colony running. 

Emerse yourself in the 18th century judiciary period and experience first hand how much your present day liberties differ from tha of the colonial period. Visit the pillory adjacent to the building and discover how you would’ve been publicly displayed for not paying your taxes or any other petty crimes against the crown.

Before social media and the internet, the latest news was printed on paper. Experience the printing office and step around back to the printing press room to receive a lesson on how the skills of the Printer were a vital role to keep the colonist in the know.

From tools to hardware, how did they make the material to build their houses? The pans and kettles for their meals? Weapons for their protection? The Blacksmith shop will show you how it was all done during the colonial period.

As you walk the streets of Williamsburg, did you ever wonder “Where did all of those bricks come from?” Visit the brickmakers at the brickyard and discover the age old art of molding and creating bricks. 

*Fun fact* - These bricks are still used for projects and repairs in Colonial Williamsburg.

Visit the site where the whispers of Liberty began. Learn about the founding principles of our government and the struggles that ensude with the British Governor that ultimately laid the ground work of your rights and responsibilities as citizens of this great nation.

A culmination of wood working and metal smithing, a visit to the Gunsmith shop will provide an opportunity to watch these craftsmen create the rifles and pistols used by the Colonist for hunting and the protection of the colony. 

*Fun Fact* - The Rifles created here can still be special ordered and purchased by the public. At last check though, the wait list was 6yrs-8yrs for your very own hand built rifle.

The Gaol or “Jail” is an interesting place to visit. This building provides a bleak insight into the conditions the debtors or prisoners would’ve endured during their stay. It was not uncommon for 6 inmates to occupy the 10 foot by 10 foot cells at one time. It’s most notable occupants would’ve undboubtebly been the 15 henchmen of the infamous pirate Blackbeard that were captured in 1718.

The Magazine housed all of the equipment necessary to protect the colony against Indians, riots, revolts and pirate raids. 

*Fun Fact* - This is the location that sparked the Revolution in Virginia. Just a day after the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, Royal Governor Lord Dunmore ordered the Royal Marines to remove the powder and disable the muskets in the Magazine, where they were met by Patrick Henry and a small militia. They were able to resolve the matter without conflict. 

George Wythe may be one of the most important colonial figures that no one has heard of. He was a leader, patriot and a member of the Continental Congress. He was also the first Virginian to sign the Declaration of Independence. Wythe was also a prominent lawyer, legal scholar and teacher. You might recognize the names of some of his former students. Thomas Jefferson, St. George Tucker and John Marshall.

*Fun Fact* - This home has twice served as both George Washington and Rochambeu’s headquarters during and after the Revolutionary War’s siege on Yorktown.

Bruton Parish was the first Anglican Church built in 1660. The current structure was restored in 1937 and was returned to how it would’ve appeared in 1715 when construction was completed. Some of the Church’s most notable attendees were Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Richard Henry Lee, George Wythe, Patrick Henry, and George Mason. Their names can still be found on the plaquards located on the pews.

*Fun Fact* - The parish served as a hospital for the Battle of Yorktown during the Revolutionary War and the Battle of Williamsburg during the Civil War.

To fully appreciate the urban setting of the colonial city of Williamsburg, you need to visit this plantation to get an understanding of what it was like to live in the outlying rural areas of the colony.

Fashion, as it is today, was a way for men and women to state their elegance and societal standings while about town. Women and especially the men, would commission wigs (or “perukes”) of quality and distinction from the Wigmakers. In this shop, you’ll learn how they were made and all about the social differences between the masses during the 18th century.

A stop by the Carpenter’s yard will give you a very interesting insight into the most common trade in Williamsburg during the 18th century. There you can observe the techniques used by the craftsmen responsible for transforming the trees into lumber and building what you see all around you.

This home was completed in 1766 by a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Martha Washington’s nephew purchased the home in 1800 and was also a Virginia Legislator and Congressman. The Rockefeller family purchased the home in 1926 and stayed here during their twice annual trips. The home was Mr. Rockefeller’s favorite and is still shown today as it appeared in the late 1930’s to early 1940’s when they were extensively involved in the rejuvenation and restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. Pay close attention to the rooms as you walk through the home during the tour. You may notice quite a few newspapers, magazines and military dress memorabilia dating back to the Second World War, in which their sons both served. 

Must See of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

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