Capitol (Williamsburg, Virginia)
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The Capitol in Williamsburg, Virginia is one of Colonial Williamsburg’s most consequential historic sites: a reconstructed colonial government building where Virginians debated laws, heard court cases and confronted questions of authority before and during the American Revolution in Virginia. It is open for visitor tours as part of Colonial Williamsburg; check the official schedule and admission details before you go.[1]
What the Capitol is
The building stands in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, near the eastern end of Duke of Gloucester Street. It is a reconstruction, not an intact 18th-century structure: Colonial Williamsburg rebuilt it between 1931 and 1934, using the better-documented design of the first Capitol, completed in 1705.[2]
Virginia’s government moved from Jamestown to Williamsburg in 1699. The first Williamsburg Capitol burned in 1747; a second building was completed on the site in 1753. The colonial government continued to meet there until the capital moved to Richmond in 1779. The second building later burned in 1832.[3][4]
Why it matters
The Capitol housed Virginia’s colonial legislature and courts. The House of Burgesses met in Williamsburg’s Capitol from 1705 until 1776; its members included figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry.[5]
In 1765, Patrick Henry introduced resolutions opposing the Stamp Act in the House of Burgesses. The building’s history also reflects the political changes that followed: in 1776, Virginia’s representatives met there briefly as Burgesses before the new state constitution replaced the colonial House with the House of Delegates.[6][7]
What to see
Tours and interpretation bring visitors through the Capitol’s historic rooms, including spaces associated with the legislature and court. Colonial Williamsburg recommends allowing at least 30 minutes, though visitors can explore at their own pace. The site also offers an online 360-degree virtual tour for those unable to visit in person.[8]
Rather than treating the building as only a political landmark, look for how its rooms connect government, law and daily colonial life. Colonial Williamsburg’s interpretation also covers the trial of members of Blackbeard’s crew, among other episodes associated with the Capitol.[9]
Planning a visit
The Capitol is part of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. The attraction lists it as a guided historic site and indicates that Colonial Williamsburg admission applies. Site schedules and admission arrangements can change, so confirm the current Capitol listing and calendar before setting out.[10]
Accessibility can vary from building to building in the Historic Area. Colonial Williamsburg’s accessibility guide lists four steps at the Capitol; contact the foundation before your visit to ask about current access arrangements and any accommodations you may need.[11]
Explore nearby
Explore the Historic Area’s other buildings, trades and interpretive sites alongside the Capitol.
Continue exploring Williamsburg’s colonial civic and military history.
Connect Williamsburg with Jamestown, Virginia and Yorktown, Virginia for a wider regional history trip.
Related books: Browse related Virginia books on Amazon
References
- ↑ Capitol, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Capitol, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Virginia: Colonial National Historical Park, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ When the Capitol Burned, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 2024-02-16. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Capitol, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Acting Up, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Capitol, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Capitol, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Capitol, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Capitol, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Historic Area Accessibility Guide, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.