The English first settled Williamsburg
Virginia in 1632. Until the capital was moved to Richmond in 1780,
Williamsburg was the political and financial center of colonial
Virginia. Today 220 acres have been set aside as a historical
landmark, and the 173-acre historical district known as Colonial
Williamsburg maintains a meticulous, on-going recreation of this
era.
Visiting the streets of Colonial Williamsburg is free, as is shopping
in its stores and taverns, but visiting historic gardens and buildings
requires a ticket, as does taking certain tours and attending
shows or events. Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg can experience
food, music and dancing accurate to the mid-18th century, as well
as seeing mock witch trials, taking carriage rides or interacting
with the many authentically costumed street performers.
Among the other preserved historical sites in Williamsburg Virginia
are the lavish Governor’s Palace, the 1770 courthouse in
Merchant’s Sq. and the College of William & Mary. The
college, founded in 1693, is home to the Muscarelle Museum of
Art and counts James Monroe and Thomas Jefferson among its graduates.
There are some good golfing opportunities near Williamsburg. Kids
won’t be completely bored in Williamsburg Virginia, thanks
to the proximity of great amusement parks like Busch Gardens and
Water Country USA, the east coast’s largest water park.
