Williamsburg, Virginia is a city full of rich history. At one time, it was the bustling social, political, and economic center of life in Virginia. The first Continental Congress was held there in 1774, the first ten amendments to the Constitution were penned there, and citizens from every corner of the Virginia Colony would report to Williamsburg for fairs, festivals, and balls.

Williamsburg did eventually slow to a boring town filled with farms and few businesses. However, Williamsburg was re-made in the early 1900s to its previous glory. Buildings were restored to be as they were when the city was full of life. Today, a visit to Williamsburg means a step back in time. Visitors will enjoy seeing different important buildings that played a part in our nation’s history, excellent exhibits and demonstrations about life in the 18th century, and other historically accurate attractions.

While touring Williamsburg, there are several buildings that have been restored and are open for public visits. One of these is the governor’s palace. The mansion sits on ten acres of restored gardens and was the home for the first two governors of Virginia, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson. The house is furnished with time-period pieces and accurate to the way the house was decorated while it was occupied. It is also fun to explore the grounds which include a stable, a carriage house, a kitchen, a bath-house, and other smaller buildings. The public gaol, which is pronounced as jail, is also a place visitors will definitely be interested in seeing. This jail, which still contains part of its original walls, was used to hold pirate crews, escaped slaves, Indians, debtors, or other criminals. Inside, tourists can see the cells in which prisoners were kept, along with authentic shackles and other leg irons from the era that are on display.

It’s not all “look and don’t touch” while visiting Williamsburg. There are plenty of activities around the entire area that engage visitors in what they are seeing. At some places, visitors can take part in helping perform household tasks that would have
needed to be done using real objects from the 18th century. Guests can also learn how to make paintings, do old-fashioned puzzles, play games such as lawn bowling or pick-up sticks, or learn different songs and dances. There are also several plays that take place each night using different scenarios that could have happened during that time, or real life events. And don’t forget to keep your eyes open for historical actors that are on hand to answer any questions that you might have.

A perfect end to a colonial day is a meal in one of the many restored taverns in Williamsburg. Most of the taverns serve genuine foods from the 1700s. Menus are compiled with items like lamb, oysters, clam chowder, crab cakes, sweet potato muffins, ducks, and veal. Although this can be very interesting, and authentic, there are few taverns that also offer food such as barbecue, hot dogs, ribs, or burgers. Either way, the décor at all the taverns is excellently restored and historically accurate. No matter what is on the plate, customers are sure to feel they’ve entered another world at any of the taverns in Williamsburg.

Though some may view history as boring, history comes to life in Williamsburg. The colonial setup of this historic town brings visitors to another time and place as they learn about the many important events and people that played a key part in making Williamsburg what it was and what it has become today.

By: Sue Foley

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