Discover Williamsburg: History, Crafts, and Routes
Accommodation in Williamsburg
Williamsburg combines the history of the Virginia Colony with vivid insights into earlier crafts, significant buildings, and a varied route through the historic surroundings. For families who want to explore together, this creates a destination with different stories to tell: The thematic scope ranges from political history and religious life to education and practical skills, without limiting the stay to just one way of sightseeing.
Experience Colonial History at Authentic Locations
Williamsburg was founded in 1699 as the capital of the Virginia Colony and was one of the first planned cities in America. Restoration began in 1926 after Reverend Doctor W. A. R. Goodwin conveyed the city's significance to John D. Rockefeller Jr. Rockefeller subsequently financed and directed the comprehensive reconstruction of the 18th-century city. This development explains why Williamsburg now conveys historical connections not only through dates, but also through buildings and sites.
The Governor's Palace was the residence of two royal governors and Virginia's first two elected governors. Its grounds include gardens and an evergreen maze and are also a significant historic site. The Capitol was the center of British rule in Virginia for most of the 18th century. Bruton Parish Church, a 350-year-old Episcopal church, is also one of the defining historic locations; many famous patriots were guests there.
Buildings, Education, and Historic Crafts
The Sir Christopher Wren Building of William & Mary is the oldest college building in the United States. It was built between 1695 and 1700, even before Williamsburg was founded. Williamsburg developed into an educational center around the College of William & Mary, founded in 1693. Visitors may tour the building's first two floors and the grounds of the Historic Campus.
A different perspective is offered by the community of Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades and Skills. More than 20 historic crafts and skills are learned and practiced there using 18th-century tools and techniques. In the printing trade, visitors can see how type is set and how colonial newspapers, political announcements, pamphlets, and books are produced with reconstructed printing presses. Raleigh Tavern, founded around 1717, complements this insight. Some of the most consequential conversations of the American Revolution took place in its Apollo Room.
Museums, Market, and Bike Excursions
The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg can be visited free of charge year-round, 365 days a year. This makes them a reliable part of travel planning if you would like to include art in your stay alongside historic outdoor sites. Another regular destination is the market in Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg. It takes place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. from February through December.
For a more active day, the Colonial Parkway is an ideal stand-alone part of the trip. The 23-mile scenic road connects Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown and is open to motor vehicles and bicycles. There are numerous stopping points and overlooks with information panels along the entire route. This allows you to decide for yourself whether this part of the trip fits into your daily itinerary more as a drive, a bike excursion, or a series of individual sightseeing stops. In 1781, General George Washington assembled the Continental Army in Williamsburg for the siege of nearby Yorktown.
The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans
When looking for a vacation rental in Williamsburg, it is worth deciding in advance what you want to focus on. Travelers primarily interested in governors, the Capitol, the church, and the history of the college will plan differently from those who want to combine historic crafts, the museum, or the Colonial Parkway. An accommodation should therefore suit your personal pace and the experiences you would like to explore in greater depth during your stay in Williamsburg. For further orientation, you can also find Williamsburg as a separate starting point.
For the overarching travel overview: Virginia.
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