From Sheridan Alexander,
Your Guide to Southeast US Travel.
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Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living history museum in the United States, portrays 18th-century Williamsburg from 1774 to 1781. Colonial Williamsburg offers a visit to the past in the thriving capital of England's oldest, largest and wealthiest colony, and later, a power center in the new nation.

Encompassing 301 acres, the restored Historic Area includes 88 original buildings, 225 period rooms, 500 reconstructed buildings (many on the original foundations,) a vast archaeological collection, thousands of American and English antiques and more. The Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, the best place to begin your visit, provides parking, information, admission and program tickets, bus service, on-site hotel and restaurant reservations.

Important Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area Sites include:

• The Governor's Palace - symbol of British authority


• The Capitol - seat of colonial power and site of Virginia's vote for independence May 15, 1776


• Peyton Randolph site - where historic trades carpenters are reconstructing an urban plantation
  
• Raleigh Tavern - where Virginia patriots defied the Crown and met to discuss independence


• George Wythe House - home of Jefferson's teacher and friend


• James Geddy House - site of family life and several family businesses


• Duke of Gloucester Street - Colonial Williamsburg's principal street

Throughout the Historic Area, dramatic vignettes, interactive programs, and historical interpreters bring the 18th century to life, including:

• Historic Trades Demonstrations


• Historic Foodways


• African American Experience


• Gardening


• Animals - Rare Breeds Program

Museums within walking distance of the Historic Area:

• DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum


• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum


• The Public Hospital


• Bassett Hall, home of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller Jr.

Additional Information

• Hours and Admission


• Visitor Center Location