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{{Attraction header | |||
|name=Colonial Williamsburg | |||
|image=Colonial Williamsburg Carriage.jpg | |||
|alt=Horse-drawn carriage in Colonial Williamsburg | |||
|kicker=HISTORIC ATTRACTION · WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA | |||
|summary=Explore Virginia's restored colonial capital through historic buildings, working trades, gardens, museums, archaeology, and immersive interpretation. | |||
}} | |||
{{Attraction quick facts | |||
|label1=Location | |||
|value1=[[Williamsburg, Virginia]] | |||
|label2=Historic Area | |||
|value2=301 acres | |||
|label3=Original buildings | |||
|value3=89 | |||
|label4=Historic trades | |||
|value4=20+ | |||
}} | |||
<div class="vw-attraction-intro"> | <div class="vw-attraction-intro"> | ||
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'''Colonial Williamsburg''' is a historic district, museum complex, and educational institution in [[Williamsburg, Virginia]]. Its Historic Area recreates and preserves the appearance and activity of Virginia's colonial capital during the 18th century. | '''Colonial Williamsburg''' is a historic district, museum complex, and educational institution in [[Williamsburg, Virginia]]. Its Historic Area recreates and preserves the appearance and activity of Virginia's colonial capital during the 18th century. | ||
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation describes the Historic Area as a 301-acre city containing 89 original 18th-century buildings, more than 300 buildings in total, more than 20 historic trades, and more than 30 maintained gardens.<ref>{{cite web | The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation describes the Historic Area as a 301-acre city containing 89 original 18th-century buildings, more than 300 buildings in total, more than 20 historic trades, and more than 30 maintained gardens.<ref name="cw-historic-area">{{cite web | ||
|url=https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/discover/historic-area/ | |url=https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/discover/historic-area/ | ||
|title=Historic Area | |title=Historic Area | ||
| Line 75: | Line 34: | ||
}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
Williamsburg served as Virginia's capital from 1699 until the seat of government moved to Richmond in 1780.<ref>{{cite web | Williamsburg served as Virginia's capital from 1699 until the seat of government moved to Richmond in 1780.<ref name="cw-about">{{cite web | ||
|url=https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/about/ | |url=https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/about/ | ||
|title=About Colonial Williamsburg | |title=About Colonial Williamsburg | ||
| Line 85: | Line 44: | ||
Colonial Williamsburg combines historic architecture with living-history interpretation, archaeology, museums, gardens, reconstructed buildings, working trades, shops, dining, and scheduled programs. | Colonial Williamsburg combines historic architecture with living-history interpretation, archaeology, museums, gardens, reconstructed buildings, working trades, shops, dining, and scheduled programs. | ||
| Line 91: | Line 50: | ||
Visitors can move through much of the Historic Area on foot and encounter interpreters portraying aspects of life in 18th-century Williamsburg. | Visitors can move through much of the Historic Area on foot and encounter interpreters portraying aspects of life in 18th-century Williamsburg. | ||
The site includes original colonial buildings as well as structures reconstructed through historical, architectural, and archaeological research.<ref | The site includes original colonial buildings as well as structures reconstructed through historical, architectural, and archaeological research.<ref name="cw-historic-area" /> | ||
== Experience Colonial Williamsburg == | |||
The Historic Area is designed to be explored on foot, with historic buildings, interpreters, trades, gardens, museums, shops, and public spaces forming a living-history landscape. | |||
= | <div style="display:flex;gap:18px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:20px 0 30px 0;"> | ||
<div | <div style="flex:1 1 280px;"> | ||
<div style="height:250px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;"> | |||
[[File:Governor's Palace and Palace Green.jpg|frameless|500px|link=|alt=Governor's Palace and Palace Green]] | |||
</div> | |||
<div style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;margin-top:9px;">Governor's Palace</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div | <div style="flex:1 1 280px;"> | ||
<div style="height:250px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;"> | |||
[[File:Duke of Gloucester Street, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia - panoramio.jpg|frameless|500px|link=|alt=Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
<div style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;margin-top:9px;">Duke of Gloucester Street</div> | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div | <div style="flex:1 1 280px;"> | ||
<div style="height:250px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;"> | |||
[[File:Kings Arms Tavern, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.jpg|frameless|500px|link=|alt=King's Arms Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
<div style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;margin-top:9px;">Historic Williamsburg</div> | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div | |||
= | <div style="display:flex;align-items:center;gap:20px;flex-wrap:wrap;border:1px solid #d8dee6;border-radius:14px;padding:14px 18px;margin:12px 0 28px;background:#fff;"> | ||
<div style="flex:0 0 auto;"> | |||
[[File:Colonial Williamsburg Carriage.jpg|frameless|180px|link=https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Colonial+Williamsburg+gifts+souvenirs+books&tag=virginiawiki-20|alt=Shop Colonial Williamsburg gifts on Amazon]] | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div | <div style="flex:1 1 300px;"> | ||
= | <div style="font-size:20px;font-weight:700;">Shop Colonial Williamsburg</div> | ||
<div style="margin:5px 0 8px;">Books, history gifts, souvenirs, and Williamsburg-themed items.</div> | |||
'''[https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Colonial+Williamsburg+gifts+souvenirs+books&tag=virginiawiki-20 Browse Colonial Williamsburg items on Amazon →]''' | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div style="font-size:12px;opacity:.75;margin-top:-20px;margin-bottom:24px;"> | |||
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
Among the best-known landmarks are the Governor's Palace, Capitol, Duke of Gloucester Street, Bruton Parish Church, historic taverns, workshops, gardens, and museums. | |||
== Historic buildings == | === Historic buildings === | ||
Colonial Williamsburg contains hundreds of buildings representing the city's colonial landscape. | Colonial Williamsburg contains hundreds of buildings representing the city's colonial landscape. | ||
The foundation states that more than 300 buildings comprise the colonial capital, with 89 surviving from the 18th century. Other structures were reconstructed using documentary research and archaeological evidence.<ref | The foundation states that more than 300 buildings comprise the colonial capital, with 89 surviving from the 18th century. Other structures were reconstructed using documentary research and archaeological evidence.<ref name="cw-historic-area" /> | ||
Notable sites include: | Notable sites include: | ||
* [[Governor's Palace]] | * [[Governor's Palace|Governor's Palace]] | ||
* [[Capitol (Williamsburg, Virginia)|Capitol]] | * [[Capitol (Williamsburg, Virginia)|Capitol]] | ||
* [[Raleigh Tavern]] | * [[Raleigh Tavern]] | ||
* [[George Wythe House]] | * [[George Wythe House|George Wythe House]] | ||
* [[Magazine (Williamsburg, Virginia)|Magazine]] | * [[Magazine (Williamsburg, Virginia)|Magazine]] | ||
* [[Peyton Randolph House]] | * [[Peyton Randolph House|Peyton Randolph House]] | ||
* [[Bruton Parish Church]] | * [[Bruton Parish Church|Bruton Parish Church]] | ||
* [[Public Hospital of 1773]] | * [[Public Hospital of 1773|Public Hospital of 1773]] | ||
* [[Bassett Hall]] | * [[Bassett Hall|Bassett Hall]]=== Historic trades === | ||
== Historic trades == | |||
Working trades are one of Colonial Williamsburg's defining features. | Working trades are one of Colonial Williamsburg's defining features. | ||
The foundation maintains more than 20 historic trades and skills.<ref>{{cite web | The foundation maintains more than 20 historic trades and skills.<ref name="cw-visit">{{cite web | ||
|url=https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/ | |url=https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/ | ||
|title=Visit Colonial Williamsburg | |title=Visit Colonial Williamsburg | ||
| Line 187: | Line 132: | ||
Depending on the day's schedule, visitors may encounter activities associated with trades such as: | Depending on the day's schedule, visitors may encounter activities associated with trades such as: | ||
* Blacksmithing | * [[Blacksmithing at Colonial Williamsburg|Blacksmithing]] | ||
* Cabinetmaking | * [[Cabinetmaking at Colonial Williamsburg|Cabinetmaking]] | ||
* Carpentry | * [[Carpentry at Colonial Williamsburg|Carpentry]] | ||
* Printing | * [[Printing at Colonial Williamsburg|Printing]] | ||
* Bookbinding | * [[Bookbinding at Colonial Williamsburg|Bookbinding]] | ||
* Tailoring | * [[Tailoring at Colonial Williamsburg|Tailoring]] | ||
* Weaving | * [[Weaving at Colonial Williamsburg|Weaving]] | ||
* Shoemaking | * [[Shoemaking at Colonial Williamsburg|Shoemaking]] | ||
* Silversmithing | * [[Silversmithing at Colonial Williamsburg|Silversmithing]] | ||
* Joinery | * [[Joinery at Colonial Williamsburg|Joinery]] | ||
* Historic foodways | * [[Historic foodways at Colonial Williamsburg|Historic foodways]] | ||
* Agriculture | * [[Agriculture at Colonial Williamsburg|Agriculture]] | ||
Programs and open trade shops vary by date, so visitors should consult the day's official schedule. | Programs and open trade shops vary by date, so visitors should consult the day's official schedule. | ||
== Art | === Art museums === | ||
The '''Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg''' bring two museum collections together: | The '''Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg''' bring two museum collections together: | ||
* | * DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum | ||
* | * Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum | ||
Their collections include American and British decorative arts from the 17th through 19th centuries and American folk art.<ref>{{cite web | Their collections include American and British decorative arts from the 17th through 19th centuries and American folk art.<ref name="cw-art">{{cite web | ||
|url=https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/discover/historic-area/art-museums-of-colonial-williamsburg/ | |url=https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/discover/historic-area/art-museums-of-colonial-williamsburg/ | ||
|title=Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg | |title=Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg | ||
| Line 217: | Line 161: | ||
}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
As of September 2026, the Art Museums advertise free public admission and daily hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; visitors should check the official site for current hours before traveling.<ref | As of September 2026, the Art Museums advertise free public admission and daily hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; visitors should check the official site for current hours before traveling.<ref name="cw-art" /> | ||
== Archaeology == | === Archaeology === | ||
Archaeology has played a major role in the restoration and continuing interpretation of Williamsburg. | Archaeology has played a major role in the restoration and continuing interpretation of Williamsburg. | ||
| Line 239: | Line 178: | ||
== The story of Colonial Williamsburg == | |||
== Restoration | === Restoration === | ||
The modern restoration of Williamsburg grew from the work of the Rev. Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin, rector of | The modern restoration of Williamsburg grew from the work of the Rev. Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr.. | ||
Goodwin discussed his vision for restoring Williamsburg with Rockefeller and his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, during the 1920s. Rockefeller eventually provided financial support for what became a large-scale effort to preserve, restore, and reconstruct the former colonial capital.<ref>{{cite web | Goodwin discussed his vision for restoring Williamsburg with Rockefeller and his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, during the 1920s. Rockefeller eventually provided financial support for what became a large-scale effort to preserve, restore, and reconstruct the former colonial capital.<ref>{{cite web | ||
| Line 254: | Line 191: | ||
}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
The foundation dates Rockefeller's commitment to funding the restoration to 1926.<ref | The foundation dates Rockefeller's commitment to funding the restoration to 1926.<ref name="cw-about" /> | ||
The project ultimately involved extensive architectural research, archaeology, preservation, reconstruction, landscape restoration, museum development, and historical interpretation. | The project ultimately involved extensive architectural research, archaeology, preservation, reconstruction, landscape restoration, museum development, and historical interpretation. | ||
== Colonial capital == | === Colonial capital === | ||
Williamsburg became the capital of Virginia in 1699 after the colonial government moved from Jamestown. | Williamsburg became the capital of Virginia in 1699 after the colonial government moved from Jamestown. | ||
| Line 270: | Line 202: | ||
During the 18th century, the city served as a center of Virginia politics, commerce, education, law, and social life. | During the 18th century, the city served as a center of Virginia politics, commerce, education, law, and social life. | ||
The capital moved to [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]] in 1780 during the American Revolution.<ref | The capital moved to [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]] in 1780 during the American Revolution.<ref name="cw-about" /> | ||
== Visitor information == | |||
== Tickets and admission == | === Tickets and admission === | ||
Some portions of Colonial Williamsburg can be walked without an admission ticket, while entry into many interpreted historic buildings, programs, tours, and other experiences requires admission. | Some portions of Colonial Williamsburg can be walked without an admission ticket, while entry into many interpreted historic buildings, programs, tours, and other experiences requires admission. | ||
| Line 321: | Line 219: | ||
== Accessibility == | === Accessibility === | ||
Colonial Williamsburg states that its Visitor Center, hotels, restaurants, museums, and shops are largely accessible, while some historic buildings present accessibility challenges because of their 18th-century architecture.<ref>{{cite web | Colonial Williamsburg states that its Visitor Center, hotels, restaurants, museums, and shops are largely accessible, while some historic buildings present accessibility challenges because of their 18th-century architecture.<ref name="cw-accessibility">{{cite web | ||
|url=https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/know-before-you-go/accessibility/ | |url=https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/know-before-you-go/accessibility/ | ||
|title=Accessibility | |title=Accessibility | ||
| Line 330: | Line 228: | ||
}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
Wheelchair-accessible routes and facilities are available in portions of the Historic Area, and Colonial Williamsburg buses are wheelchair accessible. Some historic buildings contain steps, narrow staircases, or inaccessible upper floors.<ref | Wheelchair-accessible routes and facilities are available in portions of the Historic Area, and Colonial Williamsburg buses are wheelchair accessible. Some historic buildings contain steps, narrow staircases, or inaccessible upper floors.<ref name="cw-accessibility" /> | ||
The foundation also provides accessibility information for individual buildings and programs. | The foundation also provides accessibility information for individual buildings and programs. | ||
== Food and dining == | === Food and dining === | ||
Colonial Williamsburg and the | Colonial Williamsburg and the surrounding area combine historic tavern-style dining, modern restaurants, cafés, and the shops and restaurants of Merchants Square. | ||
<div style="display:flex;gap:18px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:18px 0 28px;"> | |||
<div style="flex:1 1 220px;max-width:320px;"> | |||
<div style="height:205px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;"> | |||
[[File:Trellis Restaurant, Duke of Gloucester Street, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia - panoramio.jpg|frameless|420px|link=Restaurants near Colonial Williamsburg|alt=Restaurants near Colonial Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
<div style="font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin-top:8px;"> | |||
[[Restaurants near Colonial Williamsburg|Restaurants near Colonial Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div style="flex:1 1 220px;max-width:320px;"> | |||
<div style="height:205px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;"> | |||
[[File:Kings Arms Tavern, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.jpg|frameless|420px|link=Historic taverns in Colonial Williamsburg|alt=Historic taverns in Colonial Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
<div style="font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin-top:8px;"> | |||
[[Historic taverns in Colonial Williamsburg|Historic taverns]] | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
== | <div style="flex:1 1 220px;max-width:320px;"> | ||
<div style="height:205px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;"> | |||
[[File:MerchantsSquare.jpg|frameless|420px|link=Restaurants in Williamsburg|alt=Restaurants in Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
<div style="font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin-top:8px;"> | |||
[[Restaurants in Williamsburg|Restaurants in Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div style="flex:1 1 220px;max-width:320px;"> | |||
<div style="height:205px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;"> | |||
[[File:William and Mary Bookstore and Cafe.jpg|frameless|420px|link=Coffee shops in Williamsburg|alt=Coffee shops in Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
<div style="font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin-top:8px;"> | |||
[[Coffee shops in Williamsburg|Coffee shops in Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
=== Where to stay === | |||
Visitors can stay in Colonial Williamsburg-operated accommodations or choose hotels and resorts throughout the Williamsburg area. | |||
= | <div style="display:flex;gap:18px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:18px 0 28px;"> | ||
<div style="flex:1 1 220px;max-width:320px;"> | |||
<div style="height:205px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;"> | |||
[[File:Williamsburg Inn.JPG|frameless|420px|link=Hotels near Colonial Williamsburg|alt=Hotels near Colonial Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
<div style="font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin-top:8px;"> | |||
[[Hotels near Colonial Williamsburg|Hotels near Colonial Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
<div style="flex:1 1 220px;max-width:320px;"> | |||
<div style="height:205px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;"> | |||
[[File:Williamsburg Lodge, 2009.jpg|frameless|420px|link=Hotels in Williamsburg|alt=Hotels in Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
<div style="font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin-top:8px;"> | |||
[[Hotels in Williamsburg|Hotels in Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | |||
</div> | |||
< | |||
<div style="flex:1 1 220px;max-width:320px;"> | |||
<div style="height:205px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;"> | |||
<div | [[File:Kingsmill Resort (8696355297).jpg|frameless|420px|link=Williamsburg resorts|alt=Williamsburg resorts]] | ||
<div> | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div style="font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin-top:8px;"> | |||
<div> | [[Williamsburg resorts|Williamsburg resorts]] | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div> | <div style="flex:1 1 220px;max-width:320px;"> | ||
<div style="height:205px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;"> | |||
[[File:Williamsburg, Virginia (15809810794).jpg|frameless|420px|link=Budget hotels in Williamsburg|alt=Budget hotels in Williamsburg]] | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div style="font-size:17px;font-weight:700;margin-top:8px;"> | |||
<div> | [[Budget hotels in Williamsburg|Budget hotels in Williamsburg]] | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
=== Visiting with children === | |||
The Historic Area offers living-history interpretation, demonstrations, museum exhibits, outdoor spaces, historic trades, and family-oriented programs. | |||
See: | |||
* [[ | * [[Colonial Williamsburg with kids]] | ||
* [[Williamsburg | * [[Williamsburg with kids]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Free things to do in Williamsburg]] | ||
* [[Things to do in Williamsburg when it rains]] | |||
| Line 433: | Line 338: | ||
* [[History of Virginia]] | * [[History of Virginia]] | ||
* [[Historic Triangle]] | * [[Historic Triangle]] | ||
* | * Governor's Palace | ||
* [[William & Mary]] | * [[William & Mary]] | ||
* [[Jamestown, Virginia]] | * [[Jamestown, Virginia]] | ||
| Line 453: | Line 358: | ||
* [https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/know-before-you-go/accessibility/ Accessibility information] | * [https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/know-before-you-go/accessibility/ Accessibility information] | ||
</div> | |||
[[Category:Colonial Williamsburg]] | [[Category:Colonial Williamsburg]] | ||
| Line 461: | Line 367: | ||
[[Category:Historic Triangle]] | [[Category:Historic Triangle]] | ||
[[Category:Virginia travel attractions]] | [[Category:Virginia travel attractions]] | ||
Latest revision as of 13:28, 26 October 2026
Colonial Williamsburg is a historic district, museum complex, and educational institution in Williamsburg, Virginia. Its Historic Area recreates and preserves the appearance and activity of Virginia's colonial capital during the 18th century.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation describes the Historic Area as a 301-acre city containing 89 original 18th-century buildings, more than 300 buildings in total, more than 20 historic trades, and more than 30 maintained gardens.[1]
Williamsburg served as Virginia's capital from 1699 until the seat of government moved to Richmond in 1780.[2]
Colonial Williamsburg combines historic architecture with living-history interpretation, archaeology, museums, gardens, reconstructed buildings, working trades, shops, dining, and scheduled programs.
Visitors can move through much of the Historic Area on foot and encounter interpreters portraying aspects of life in 18th-century Williamsburg.
The site includes original colonial buildings as well as structures reconstructed through historical, architectural, and archaeological research.[1]
Experience Colonial Williamsburg
The Historic Area is designed to be explored on foot, with historic buildings, interpreters, trades, gardens, museums, shops, and public spaces forming a living-history landscape.
Governor's Palace
Duke of Gloucester Street
Historic Williamsburg
Shop Colonial Williamsburg
Books, history gifts, souvenirs, and Williamsburg-themed items.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Among the best-known landmarks are the Governor's Palace, Capitol, Duke of Gloucester Street, Bruton Parish Church, historic taverns, workshops, gardens, and museums.
Historic buildings
Colonial Williamsburg contains hundreds of buildings representing the city's colonial landscape.
The foundation states that more than 300 buildings comprise the colonial capital, with 89 surviving from the 18th century. Other structures were reconstructed using documentary research and archaeological evidence.[1]
Notable sites include:
- Governor's Palace
- Capitol
- Raleigh Tavern
- George Wythe House
- Magazine
- Peyton Randolph House
- Bruton Parish Church
- Public Hospital of 1773
- Bassett Hall=== Historic trades ===
Working trades are one of Colonial Williamsburg's defining features.
The foundation maintains more than 20 historic trades and skills.[3]
Depending on the day's schedule, visitors may encounter activities associated with trades such as:
- Blacksmithing
- Cabinetmaking
- Carpentry
- Printing
- Bookbinding
- Tailoring
- Weaving
- Shoemaking
- Silversmithing
- Joinery
- Historic foodways
- Agriculture
Programs and open trade shops vary by date, so visitors should consult the day's official schedule.
Art museums
The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg bring two museum collections together:
- DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
- Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Their collections include American and British decorative arts from the 17th through 19th centuries and American folk art.[4]
As of September 2026, the Art Museums advertise free public admission and daily hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; visitors should check the official site for current hours before traveling.[4]
Archaeology
Archaeology has played a major role in the restoration and continuing interpretation of Williamsburg.
The Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center allows visitors to observe archaeological research, artifact processing, and analysis.[5]
Archaeological evidence has also informed the reconstruction and interpretation of structures throughout the Historic Area.
The story of Colonial Williamsburg
Restoration
The modern restoration of Williamsburg grew from the work of the Rev. Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr..
Goodwin discussed his vision for restoring Williamsburg with Rockefeller and his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, during the 1920s. Rockefeller eventually provided financial support for what became a large-scale effort to preserve, restore, and reconstruct the former colonial capital.[6]
The foundation dates Rockefeller's commitment to funding the restoration to 1926.[2]
The project ultimately involved extensive architectural research, archaeology, preservation, reconstruction, landscape restoration, museum development, and historical interpretation.
Colonial capital
Williamsburg became the capital of Virginia in 1699 after the colonial government moved from Jamestown.
During the 18th century, the city served as a center of Virginia politics, commerce, education, law, and social life.
The capital moved to Richmond in 1780 during the American Revolution.[2]
Visitor information
Tickets and admission
Some portions of Colonial Williamsburg can be walked without an admission ticket, while entry into many interpreted historic buildings, programs, tours, and other experiences requires admission.
Ticket products and prices can change. Visitors should consult the official Colonial Williamsburg website for current admission options rather than relying on historical prices.
Official visitor information:
Accessibility
Colonial Williamsburg states that its Visitor Center, hotels, restaurants, museums, and shops are largely accessible, while some historic buildings present accessibility challenges because of their 18th-century architecture.[7]
Wheelchair-accessible routes and facilities are available in portions of the Historic Area, and Colonial Williamsburg buses are wheelchair accessible. Some historic buildings contain steps, narrow staircases, or inaccessible upper floors.[7]
The foundation also provides accessibility information for individual buildings and programs.
Food and dining
Colonial Williamsburg and the surrounding area combine historic tavern-style dining, modern restaurants, cafés, and the shops and restaurants of Merchants Square.
Where to stay
Visitors can stay in Colonial Williamsburg-operated accommodations or choose hotels and resorts throughout the Williamsburg area.
Visiting with children
The Historic Area offers living-history interpretation, demonstrations, museum exhibits, outdoor spaces, historic trades, and family-oriented programs.
See:
- Colonial Williamsburg with kids
- Williamsburg with kids
- Free things to do in Williamsburg
- Things to do in Williamsburg when it rains
See also
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- History of Virginia
- Historic Triangle
- Governor's Palace
- William & Mary
- Jamestown, Virginia
- Yorktown, Virginia
- Colonial Parkway
- Things to do in Williamsburg
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Historic Area, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 About Colonial Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ Visit Colonial Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ Museums and Collections, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ History of Colonial Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-09-29.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Accessibility, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-09-29.