Williamsburg is in southeastern Virginia on a peninsula
between the James and York Rivers, which run into Chesapeake Bay. Settled
in 1632, it was Virginia's capital from 1699 to 1779. After time the city
declined and it was not until the 1920's that the people took a real interest
in Williamsburg. In fact, it was only in 1926 that the idea of excavating
and restoring the colonial site of Williamsburg took bloom. The once known
Williamsburg went through a complete transformation from an industrial
town into a what is now known as Colonial Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg bridges Virginias past and present, with remnants
of the Confederacy preserved amid the cultural and commercial bustle of
modern day. Colonial Williamsburg is the nation's largest and oldest outdoor
living history museum and portrays 18th-century Williamsburg as it appeared
on the eve of the American Revolution. Throughout the city, an engaging
mix of sights, sounds and activities helps visitors reconnect with America's
past and become active participants in 18th-century life. Not only can
visitors enjoy the restored buildings, but also actors recreate the everyday
lives of early settlers. On Colonial Williamsburg's 173 acres, 88 original
18th- and early 19th-century structures, such as the courthouse, have
been meticulously restored. The site is bent on keeping to the period's
authenticity from pieces of furniture, pottery, china, glass, silver,
pewter, textiles, tools, and carpeting, to landscaping.
All year round visitors can observe hundreds of costumed interpreters,
wearing bonnets or three-cornered hats. Many inhabitants of the settlement
have organized a demonstration of their trades into seminars observed
by the public. Historic trade demonstrations, dramatic vignettes, interactive
programs and encounters with "People of the Past" take place
in 28 exhibition sites and historic trade shops throughout the Historic
Area. Visitors can enjoy 18th-century style dining in authentic colonial
surroundings at one of Colonial Williamsburg's four operating taverns.
Come out and enjoy being part of Colonial Williamsburg living history!