Frequently Asked Questions About Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Sites

1. What is Colonial Williamsburg and why is it historically significant?

Colonial Williamsburg is a living-history museum that includes a large portion of the historic district of Williamsburg, Virginia. It represents the restored 18th-century capital of colonial Virginia and served as the political center of Virginia from 1699 to 1780. It is a must-see for all visitors to Williamsburg.

2. What are the most important historic buildings to see in Colonial Williamsburg?

While there are over 89 original 18th-century structures within Colonial Williamsburg, these landmarks stand out as must-see attractions:

• The Governor’s Palace: Reconstructed in the 1930s, this magnificent building served as the official residence for seven royal governors and the first two elected governors of Virginia, including Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson.
• The Capitol: The reconstructed colonial Capitol building was where Virginia’s legislators debated laws and revolutionary ideas. The original Capitol’s succumbed to flames more than once. This building is based on the design of the Capitol that stood from 1705 until 1747.
• Bruton Parish Church: An active Episcopal parish since 1674, this church is one of the oldest in America. Sunday services are still held in this historic building.
• The George Wythe House: Home to George Wythe, a law professor at the College of William and Mary and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The house also served as George Washington’s headquarters before the Battle of Yorktown.
• The Raleigh Tavern: A social center of Williamsburg where revolutionaries gathered to discuss politics in the Apollo Room.

3. What architectural styles are represented in Colonial Williamsburg’s buildings?

Colonial Williamsburg’s buildings primarily showcase Georgian architecture, the dominant style in 18th-century British colonies. Key characteristics include:

• Symmetrical design: Buildings typically feature a centered door with an equal number of windows on either side
• Classical elements: Pediments, flattened columns, and cornices inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings
• Brick construction
• Decorative details: Carved wooden moldings, dentil work, and classical ornamentation

4. How historically accurate are the buildings in Colonial Williamsburg?

Colonial Williamsburg prides itself on historical accuracy. The restoration project, which began in the 1920s, involved extensive archaeological and documentary research. The original 18th-century buildings have been carefully preserved, while reconstructions of missing historical buildings were built on their original foundations using period construction techniques and materials whenever possible.

5. What is the difference between “original” and “reconstructed” buildings?

• Original buildings: These are authentic structures that have survived from the 18th century, though many have undergone restoration to preserve them and return them to their colonial appearance.
• Reconstructed buildings: These are buildings that were rebuilt on their original foundations after archaeological excavation, using historical records, drawings, and traditional building methods to ensure accuracy.

6. Can I go inside all the buildings in Colonial Williamsburg?

Not all buildings are open to the public. With a paid admission ticket, visitors can enter many of the major public buildings and some homes, trade shops, and other structures. Some buildings are only open for special tours or events, while others serve as private residences or administrative offices and are not open to the public.

7. What are the crafts and trade buildings in Colonial Williamsburg and what can visitors learn from them?

Colonial Williamsburg features numerous reconstructed trade shops that demonstrate the economic foundation of colonial society:

• The Blacksmith Shop: Shows how essential metal tools, hardware, and household items were forged by hand. Blacksmiths were vital to colonial infrastructure, creating everything from nails to horseshoes.
• The Printing Office: Demonstrates the technology that spread news and political ideas throughout the colonies. Visitors can see how type was set by hand and pages printed using 18th-century wooden presses.
• The Cabinetmaker’s Shop: Showcases the creation of fine furniture using traditional joinery techniques and hand tools. Colonial furniture-making combined artistic design with practical craftsmanship.
• The Silversmith’s Shop: Highlights both the artistic and financial aspects of colonial society, as silver items were both decorative status symbols and stores of wealth.
• The Milliner: Demonstrate clothing production for different social classes, from everyday garments to fashionable attire for the gentry.
• The Apothecary Shop: Shows how medicines were compounded and sold in the colonial era.
• The Gunsmith Shop: Displays the precision craftsmanship required to create and repair firearms essential for hunting and defense.

These working trade shops employ costumed craftspeople who use authentic tools and methods, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see pre-industrial production techniques in action.

8. What private homes in Colonial Williamsburg best represent 18th-century domestic life?

Several preserved homes offer insights into colonial domestic architecture and lifestyles:

• The Peyton Randolph House: One of the largest and most elegant homes, the first portion of the home was built in 1715
• The James Geddy House: Home to a family of gunsmiths and silversmiths, this building was once home to eight children along with their parents.
• The Everard House: This home of a wealthy planter and civic leader features sophisticated Georgian architectural elements and detailing.
• The Robert Carter House: Now unfurnished, this home provides a different way of looking at 18^th century homes.

9. What role did taverns play in colonial Williamsburg?

Taverns were essential social, political, and commercial centers:

• Raleigh Tavern: Perhaps the most famous, it served as an unofficial meeting place for members of the House of Burgesses after royal governors dissolved their official sessions. The Apollo Room inside hosted significant political discussions and social events.
• Wetherburn’s Tavern: An upscale establishment that catered to wealthier colonists and government officials, offering private dining rooms and better accommodations.
• Chowning’s Tavern: Represented a more casual establishment serving ordinary townspeople and travelers with simpler fare and accommodations. Behind the tavern is Chowning’s Garden Bar where visitors can grab a bite to eat.
• Shields Tavern: One of several taverns providing lodging, meals, and gathering spaces for visitors to the colonial capital. Visitors today can enjoy a family-style meal.

10. Are there any historic buildings nearby that provide accommodation?

A Williamsburg White House Inn was built in the early 1900s. It provides modern comfort with historic charm. The inn is across the street from the College of William and Mary and a short stroll to Colonial Williamsburg.

Colonial Williamsburg offers a unique opportunity to experience America’s founding era through its meticulously preserved and reconstructed buildings. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply curious about America’s past, these historic structures bring the stories of our nation’s beginnings vividly to life.