Magazine (Williamsburg, Virginia)
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The Magazine—often called the Powder Magazine—is an octagonal brick landmark in Colonial Williamsburg, built to store military supplies for Virginia’s colonial government. Its role in the 1775 Gunpowder Incident makes it an important stop for understanding the colony’s path toward revolution. Colonial Williamsburg currently lists the site as temporarily closed for restoration, so check its official listing before planning a visit.[1]
What the Magazine is
The Magazine stands at 102 East Duke of Gloucester Street in the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area. Colonial Williamsburg describes it as one of the area’s original eighteenth-century buildings. Its distinctive octagonal brick form was designed for storing arms and ammunition, though its three floors held other military supplies as well.[2]
The colonial assembly authorized a brick magazine in 1714, and the building was completed by early 1716 or earlier. A perimeter wall and guardhouse were added in 1755, when the colony arranged for a permanent guard. The site later served other purposes, including as a market house, an arsenal during the Civil War, and a stable.[3]
Why it matters
On April 21, 1775, sailors acting on orders from royal governor Lord Dunmore removed gunpowder from the Magazine. The seizure provoked anger in Williamsburg and contributed to a political crisis between the governor and Virginia’s residents. After Dunmore left Williamsburg, the Magazine became a supply depot for the Continental Army.[4] The episode is part of the wider story of the American Revolution in Virginia and the Historic Triangle.
What to see and how to plan
The Magazine’s compact, many-sided brick exterior distinguishes it from the surrounding buildings. Its guardhouse and enclosing wall help visitors picture the site as a protected military storehouse. Colonial Williamsburg’s recent archaeological and preservation work has also informed changes to the presentation of the building and its grounds.[5]
As of the access date for this guide, Colonial Williamsburg lists the Magazine as temporarily closed for restoration and says to check back for reopening information. The organization also indicates that Colonial Williamsburg admission is required for the site when it is open. Confirm current status, admission requirements, and visiting details on the official listing before setting out; restoration schedules and access can change.[6]
The Magazine is part of the broader Historic Area, where nearby sites such as the Capitol (Williamsburg, Virginia) add context to Williamsburg’s colonial government and revolutionary-era history. For a wider visit, see Things to do in Williamsburg and the Williamsburg weekend itinerary.
Related books: Browse related Virginia books on Amazon
References
- ↑ Powder Magazine, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Powder Magazine, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Powder Magazine, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ The Gunpowder Incident and the Collapse of Royal Government in Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Powder Magazine, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Powder Magazine, Colonial Williamsburg, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.