Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is a historic site that preserves and recreates colonial American life from the 18th century. Many original buildings, homes, shops, and taverns have been restored to showcase daily life before modern conveniences. Visitors can experience history by exploring the preserved buildings and streets while staff dress and work in period costumes. Colonial Williamsburg was the colonial capital of Virginia but fell into disrepair after the capital moved until John D. Rockefeller funded restorations in the 1920s to save this important part of American heritage.

1. Colonial Williamsburg
A Step Back in Time
by Russ Davis
Did you ever wonder what life was like in early America before electricity, the
automobile and many other modern-day conveniences that we now take for granted?
Fortunately there is a place where the history of that era is still intact. Where many of
the buildings, private homes, shops, restaurants and taverns have been preserved in
their original state and the day to day life of early America can be experienced. This
historic treasure is Colonial Williamsburg, located in the quiet countryside of Virginia,
about 100 miles south of Washington D.C. It is uniquely interesting any time of year but
especially so in the fall when the leaves turn yellow, orange, rust and a thousand hues in
between, and the air is crisp and filled with the scent of pine logs that rise from the
chimneys of cook-stoves and fireplaces that are in daily use at the compound. Did you
ever wonder what life was like in early America before electricity, the automobile and
many other modern-day conveniences that we now take for granted? Fortunately there
is a place where the history of that era is still intact. Where many of the buildings,
private homes, shops, restaurants and taverns have been preserved in their original state
and the day to day life of early

2. America can be experienced. This historic treasure is Colonial Williamsburg, located in
the quiet countryside of Virginia, about 100 miles south of Washington D.C. It is
uniquely interesting any time of year but especially so in the fall when the leaves turn
yellow, orange, rust and a thousand hues in between, and the air is crisp and filled with
the scent of pine logs that rise from the chimneys of cook-stoves and fireplaces that are
in daily use at the compound.You can stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street all the way
from the College of William and Mary to the old Capitol Building. Along the way you will
pass famous Raleigh Tavern named after Sir Walter Raleigh, the Palace Green, the
Bruton Parish Church which has been in continuous use since 1715, and dozens of little
shops where clerks, master craftsmen and apprentices in period costume ply their trade.
Turn into one of the many shaded lanes that wind through tranquil garden, edged with
flowers and dotted with weeping willows. Cross over wooden bridges and stroll past
small homesteads where hug oxen lie facing the morning sun, and dairy cows stare
curiously as you walk past. A few blocks up on Waller Street you’ll find Christiana
Campbell’s Tavern, open to the public and still serving hot and hearty meals similar to
those found on the menu 200 years ago. An entry in George Washington’s diary
indicates that he dined there frequently in 1772.
Williamsburg was the colonial capitol of Virginia and the hub of political activity
during the turbulent days before the Revolutionary War. In 1780 the capitol was moved
to Richmond and Williamsburg quietly slipped into obscurity. Ravaged by time and the
elements many of its historic landmarks came dangerously closed to being lost forever.
Finally in 1926 Reverend W.A. Goodwin, rector of Williamsburg’s Episcopal Church
convinced John D. Rockefeller of the need to save this important part of our American
heritage. Rockefeller put up enough money to restore Williamsburg to its original state
and also provided an endowment to secure its future support.
Getting There
Most major airlines fly into Richmond, where you can pick up a rental car or take a
shuttle. Then it’s about an hour’s drive to Williamsburg. If you are planning a trip to the
nation’s capital, Colonial Williamsburg is a “must see” side trip. It’s about a two and a
half hour drive down I-95. Amtrak is another option; in fact the Union Station in
Washington, DC is a destination in itself with over 25 million visitors a year. The train
ride from the capitol to Newport News, takes about three hours. Then is only about 20
miles to Williamsburg, There are also several tour operators that have special 1-3 day
bus packages from D.C. to Williamsburg.
Where to Stay
The Williamsburg Inn is one of the nation's most distinguished hotels, this rambling
white-brick Regency-style inn has played host to U.S. presidents and heads of state
including Queen Elizabeth II. The Regency Dining Room features classic American

3. cuisine (coats and ties are still required after 6pm). The Sunday champagne brunch is
very good (reservations are required). All of the spacious accommodations are
exquisitely furnished with reproductions, books, and photos. Rooms in a modern
building called Providence Hall, adjacent to the inn, are furnished in a contemporary
blend of 18th-century and Oriental styles, with balconies or patios overlooking tennis
courts and a beautiful wooded area. Rates start at $320 per night.
The Williamsburg Lodge is just across the street from the Williamsburg Inn. The
foundation's second-best hotel has been restored to its original 1930s appearance, but
with modern conveniences. The new units are notable for their Colonial Williamsburg-
designed furniture and their retro 1930s bathrooms. Rates start at $179 per night.
Woodlands Hotel & Suitesis located beside the visitor center, and is considered the
foundation's third-best hotel. A separate building with a peaked roof and skylights holds
the lodge like lobby, where guests are treated to continental breakfast in a room with a
fireplace. Interior corridors lead to the guest quarters in a U-shaped building around a
courtyard. Their rates start at $149 per night.
~