Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg
- The Constitution of the United States of America
This year, go back to where it all began...
The Date: 1773-1783--Just prior to the American Revolution
The Place: Williamsburg, Virginia--the capital of England's oldest, largest, richest and most populous colony.
Leaving the Visitors Center, you cross the footbridge and arrive at what appears to be the back yard of an historic area. You pass a weather-worn snake fence retaining Devon Red cattle resting in a lush pasture, oblivious to the striking windmill dominating the landscape behind them. Continuing up North England Street, you pause to allow a horse drawn carriage to pass, revealing an open field of practicing militia. "Cool!" your son exclaims. Crossing behind them in the direction of the main activity you arrive at Duke of Gloucester Street and can't help but stop to observe. Women and children are bustling around in period clothing, carriages are passing, and could that be Patrick Henry in conversation with George Washington?
"They've done a great job with this re-creation," you tell your wife. A young woman approaches, and in a thick English accent she inquires, "Sir, may I assist?" Your wife whispers, "Honey, I don't think this is a re-creation; I think we're here--in the 18th Century." And you realize, time travel is possible--if only in Colonial Williamsburg.
Every one of your senses is completely immersed in the 1700's once you step onto Duke of Gloucester Street. You are not a visitor, but a resident engaged in the weeks and hours leading up to the American Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence--the events we celebrate on the Fourth of July. Your help is needed everywhere: serving in the militia, working in the magazine, creating horseshoes for the military, tending a garden, or simply assisting with household tasks.
But don't fret, because you'll have plenty of time to dine on authentic 18th-Century fare such as game pie or peanut soup, chat with Thomas Jefferson, inhale the fragrance of vintage gardens, play games with colonial friends, attend an 18th-Century variety show, watch a parade, ride in a carriage, or eavesdrop on working slaves.
Finally, when evening arrives, stroll the candlelit streets and listen to the strange tales and legends that have been passed down for generations, or serve on a jury determining the guilt or innocence of Grace Sherwood--accused of witchcraft. When your eyelids become heavy, turn the key to the door of your colonial house, and crawl into a canopied bed true to the period--with the addition of modern amenities.
What Children Can Do
If we experience it, it sticks. So rent a costume for your young child and allow him to become a colonial kid, if only for a day. He can:
- Help tend a garden
- Help out with daily activities
- Assist the blacksmith
- Participate in household tasks
- Join the militia
- Take part in the colonial legal system
- Hear a story
- Ride in a carriage
- Purchase colonial items to take home
- Participate in a witch trial
- Take a candlelit evening walking tour
- Watch a Fife & Drums parade
- Sleep in an authentic colonial house
What Adults Can Do
The experience isn't just for the kids. You can:
- Debate with Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry or George Washington
- Dine in a tavern
- Take your turn in the stocks and pillories
- Help out with daily activities
- Assist the blacksmith
- Participate in household tasks
- Join the militia
- Take part in the colonial legal system
- Hear a story
- Ride in a carriage
- Purchase colonial items to take home
- Participate in a witch trial
- Take a candlelit evening walking tour
- Watch a Fife & Drums parade
- Sleep in an authentic colonial house
Insider Tips
- Tickets are not necessary to walk the streets and enter some of the buildings. However, many of the buildings and all special events are closed to those without tickets.
- If you are picking up your tickets at the Visitors Center, do so late in the day to avoid the morning rush.
- Tickets are available through your Concierge when staying in Colonial Houses Historic Lodging, the Williamsburg Inn or the Williamsburg Lodge.
- Lowest attendance times: Early November (prior to Thanksgiving); January, February, March (Approximately 30% of activities are closed for the winter season.)
- Best hotel rates in Colonial Williamsburg are available in January, February, and March
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Click here for visitor information.
For Teachers
Since it may be impractical to take your entire class to Colonial Williamsburg, let the past come to you through electronic field trips offered several times throughout the year. Numerous resources are available for teachers. You'll find it all here.
