To mark America’s 250th birthday, American Nomad is starting a new blog series called America 250 – Liberty Trails. Today we’re traveling back in time to 18th-century Williamsburg Virginia. Here, in the bustling streets of Williamsburg, a revolution is taking hold. The unfair taxes imposed by Britain have ignited fierce anger among the citizens, and whispers of declaring independence and full-blown revolution are growing louder by the day.
Located near the James and York Rivers, close to the birthplace of America’s first permanent English Colony at Jamestown, Williamsburg preserves its pivotal 18th-century legacy. Across the over 300 acres of Colonial Williamsburg, the past vividly comes to life. The Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg preserves the roots of America’s beginnings, immersing visitors in the atmosphere and lifestyle of Virginia’s 18th-century colonial capital. The historic district is living history where you can see 89 original Colonial era homes, as well as hundreds more meticulously reconstructed buildings that originally stood in Williamsburg during the 1700s. These reconstructions were done through detailed research based on historical records and archaeological excavations.
The vibrant streets of Colonial Williamsburg are filled with living historical interpreters dressed in colonial fashions, who tell the stories of those who lived in Williamsburg across classes and backgrounds. You can also meet Williamsburg’s most famous former residents like Thomas Jefferson, George Wythe, Patrick Henry, and others. Through these living history exhibits, you can delve into the daily lives of the diverse men and women who shaped Williamsburg, both before and during the American Revolution.
As we celebrate the 250th year of American Independence on July 4th 2026, a visit to Colonial Williamsburg will fire the spirit of patriotism and provide the historical realities that colonists grappled with in the struggle for independence.
At the Colonial Capital, you can listen to Patrick Henry as he speaks against the Stamp Act in 1765, railing against Parliament’s treachery against the colonies as he addresses The House of Burgesses. Henry’s fiery speech was met with some naysayers calling it treasonous, but he replied ‘If this be treason, make the most of it.’ This fiery rhetoric resonated deeply, as colonists across Virginia were furious about being taxed without representation. At The Governor’s Palace, where good company still toasts to King George III, the crown rules and talk of rebellion is distasteful.
As you wander the quaint streets with beautiful homes and gardens, you can peruse the historic shops for colonial wares and latest fashions, including the wigmakers shop.
Catch up on the latest town gossip and discuss the latest news at one of the taverns or Charlton’s Coffee Shop. News of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts has just come to Williamsburg – will war come to Virginia? What does Boston have to do with Virginia?
Perhaps a visit with George Wythe, famed professor in law and mentor to Thomas Jefferson, can clear up these questions of Independence. He has one of the most stately homes in Williamsburg, right near the Governor’s Palace.
George Wythe is discussing a court case that took place at Williamsburg’s courthouse. There is always drama in the courtroom for those visiting Williamsburg and its jail.
But you have been invited to take a carriage ride with friends as the sun is setting.
These are the experiences you can have within Colonial Williamsburg – living history where you are invited to travel into the past and be fully present in it. You can hear stories of all citizens from the Royal Governor to patriots to those enslaved persons who were longed to have the same rights spoken in the capitol when The Declaration of Rights was proclaimed and adopted on June 12, 1776 by the 5th Virginia Convention (which replaced the House of Burgesses).
Diving into History: The Virginia Declaration of Rights was authored by George Mason, and it established principles such as the separation of powers and importance of free elections and the inherent rights of individuals. It was one of the documents that influenced Thomas Jefferson in drafting the Declaration of Independence (around the same time). George Mason later attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 but refused to sign it because he believed it needed a Bill of Rights, which James Madison wrote and helped pass as our first ten amendments. Our Bill of Rights was inspired from Mason’s Declaration of Rights, which was approved right in Williamsburg in 1776.
Fun fact: Did you know that The Virginia General Assembly, the legislative body of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is the oldest continuous law-making body in the Western Hemisphere, and the first elected legislative assembly in the New World. It was established on July 30, 1619. It met in Williamsburg from 1699 to 1779 before moving to the present day capitol in Richmond (50 miles west of Williamsburg)
Williamsburg recreates these events in ways that are interactive, historically accurate and inspire even non-history buffs to get swept up in the story of Colonial America and Independence. Kids will be drawn into exhibits and demonstrations like hearing tales of the palace ball, playing Colonial games or visiting the farm animals like goats and sheep.
Colonial Williamsburg is packed with so much history and a multitude of activities that you’ll want to return time and again. Each Colonial Adventure allows you to connect with stories from the past, igniting a passion for America’s future and your part in it.
Planning Your Colonial Adventures:
Colonial Williamsburg is part of an area celebrating the early years of America’s history from the first permanent English colony at nearby Jamestown to the victory at Yorktown that secured American Independence – this entire region is packed with history and stories from the past that will capture the imagination.
While planning a trip to Williamsburg can feel daunting when you discover all the area has to offer, don’t worry this is a vacation not the ‘stamp act’ to tax you! While I’ll provide some pro-tips and personal favorites from my trips to Williamsburg below, my biggest advice is that you focus on enjoying the experience of being in Williamsburg versus feeling like you have to see every house or attend every event during the first visit. It’s okay to focus on certain areas that pique your interest. Beyond the well-known stories, I encourage you to explore the uncomfortable truths of the past, such as understanding the lived experiences of enslaved people and Native Americans. Williamsburg does a wonderful job diving into the lives of African American residents like Gowan Pamphlet who founded Williamsburg’s First Baptist Church, while still enslaved. Or meet patriot James Armistead Lafayette, who was born enslaved in Virginia, became a double agent for the French during the Revolutionary War, and eventually earned his freedom.
Each time you return to Williamsburg you’ll unravel another piece of the history and create memories to last a lifetime.
Official Colonial Williamsburg Website – Where you can purchase tickets, plan your trip and learn about the history of Williamsburg
Starting your adventure…
The best place to begin your Colonial Williamsburg adventure is at The Visitor Center, where you can learn about the history of Colonial Williamsburg in the video The Story of a Patriot. The Visitor Center staff can also advise on the daily schedule of events from reenactments and demonstrations, as well as providing maps and tips on how to plan your day.
The Visitor Center is a good place to park, as the majority of streets in Colonial Williamsburg (outside of Merchants Square area, and surrounding neighborhoods) are closed to automobile traffic. From the Visitor’s Center a quarter mile path transports you from modern day to Colonial life, as you walk across a bridge into forested and pastoral farmland dotted with split-rail fences before you reach the historic city core. If you don’t want to walk to the main historic area, you can take complimentary shuttles from The Visitor Center closer to key historic sites.
All of the streets are open to the public at no charge, allowing you to meander through the colonial area even without a ticket. However, you will want to invest in Colonial Williamsburg tickets in order to take advantage of all the programs they have to offer and be granted access to many of the historic buildings, including The Governor’s Mansion tour, Capitol Building, George Wythe House, among others.
*Pro Tip – if you live within a few hours of Williamsburg I recommend their annual pass. It is a great investment for history lovers!
One of the highlights for all ages at Williamsburg is exploring the period shops where you can learn about goods sold during the era and pick up more modern souvenirs like postcards and tee-shirts. The shop’s are run by costumed staff. The trades shops allow you to speak with expert interpreters about their shops and trades like the millinery and wigmaker to blacksmith.
At each site you not only learn about daily life and interactions in Williamsburg but also about key historical events that took place at each location, especially leading up to and during The Revolutionary War.
Early History:
Williamsburg was founded in 1632 as Middle Plantation, a fortified settlement between the James and York Rivers. It became the seat of the college of William & Mary (the second oldest university in the United States after Harvard) in 1693. After the destruction of Jamestown’s capitol buildings burned in 1698, the capital city was moved to Middle Plantation. It was then renamed Williamsburg after King William III of England. It served as the capital city until 1779.
Williamsburg and The American Revolution
Virginia was the largest and most important colony in Colonial America circa 1775-76 given its population, wealth and leadership. As the capital city of America’s richest colony, it was under a microscope both from the Crown and other colonies. Many Virginians were not happy with the British parliament’s enacting of taxes like the Stamp Act (1765), Townshend Acts and eventually The Intolerable Acts. I dove into this during our visit to Independence Hall in Philadelphia (read here).
At first many Virginians hoped to a resolution with Great Britain, as they’d long been loyal to the ‘mother country,’ but as the taxes and threats on their own legislative powers in the House of Burgesses, and other long held colonial rights were infringed upon, the tide of the call for Independence rose.
The Gunpowder Incident...This began to come to a head when on April 21, 1775, in the depths of the night, as citizens slept, Royal Governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore and his men, stole Williamsburg’s gunpowder reserves from the town’s Magazine. (Article about incident from American Battlefield Trust)
What is a Magazine: In the colonial era, a “magazine” primarily referred to a building or structure used for storing arms and ammunition, often referred to as a powder magazine. These magazines were crucial for colonial defense and security, holding supplies like guns, gunpowder, and other military equipment.
Dunmore claimed that taking the gunpowder was for Virginia’s protection for fear it could be stolen for a slave uprising or rebellion but in truth it was for the protection of the crown against the growing calls for rebellion against the tyranny of the crown.
To be fair, Dunmore had valid fears of the magazines being taken by patriots. After he banned the House of Burgesses from meeting in Williamsburg, they continued to meet anyway when on March 23rd, 1775, they congregated fifty miles west of Williamsburg at St. John’s Church in Richmond. It was here that Patrick Henry gave his fiery ‘Give me Liberty or Give me Death’ speech and put forth a vote to start a Virginia militia in anticipation of increasing British threats. At this time the port of Boston had been closed in the wake of The Boston Tea Party (Williamsburg and other cities like Edenton NC and Charleston SC had also had tea parties to protest the Tea Act). While some said this was just a Massachusetts problem, Henry and others in attendance like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson saw the coming threat. The convention at St. John’s narrowly led to a ‘yea’ (yes) vote to form the militia. So Dunmore had cause to fear they’d try to take the Williamsburg gunpowder.
The colonists had every right to be frustrated with Dunmore, who had not been wise in his communication, only inciting more distrust and fear. Submission was not something the independent-minded Virginians, who’d had self-government since 1619 (with House of Burgesses), were willing to easily give up. Dunmore had already stopped their legislative rights; now, the gunpowder was taken too?
Dunmore was astute however in seeing the threat of armed conflict and desire to mitigate rebellion by seizing the supply. He was foolhardy to expect the residents of Williamsburg would simply comply.
It’s interesting that, unbeknownst to both him and the colonists at that time (given the slow transmission of news across the states – no cell phones back then!), only two days prior, on April 19th, 1775, British soldiers and Massachusetts militiamen had fired the first shots at Lexington and Concord, effectively unleashing the beginning of the American Revolution.
Patrick Henry’s prediction in March 1775 proved correct: Massachusetts was just the beginning of the oppression, and all colonies would have to unite in the fight for liberty (paraphrasing his words). This was no longer an isolated rebellion in Massachusetts; in truth, it never had been, as tensions and protests had simmered throughout the colonies since as early as 1765. Yet now, with the shots fired in Massachusetts and the gunpowder seizure in Williamsburg, this was undeniably America’s fight. Williamsburg was a pivotal player in the upcoming battle for declaring Independence and the fight for liberty from Great Britain.
In the immediate aftermath, as the people of Williamsburg learned of the gunpowder’s seizure, an alarm swept through the streets. Many residents saw Dunmore as a tyrant and traitor to a people who’d been loyal and kind to him as their governor.
The seizure of the gunpowder from Williamsburg’s magazine by Governor Dunmore provoked an angry colonial response, nearly leading to a mob storming the Palace. Town leaders, led by Peyton Randolph, appeased the crowd after meeting with Dunmore, who promised Randolph and other delegates in their meeting that he had secured the powder following a report of a nearby insurrection of enslaved people. He promised to return it if it was needed to defeat a rebellion. This was just political maneuvering, but at the time it appeased the crowd. Separately, in a later letter to his superiors in London, Dunmore offered a different explanation for the seizure. He explained that he believed the angry free colonists, who had pursued a “series of dangerous measures” against the government, were planning to seize the supply as part of their efforts to overturn the government.
Williamsburg and Declaring Independence
At the Capitol Building in Williamsburg, you can learn how Virginia played a pivotal role in declaring independence. In May 1776, Virginia’s Convention, meeting here, formally instructed its delegates to the Continental Congress to propose a vote for independence. Richard Henry Lee, one of these delegates, carried this momentous charge to Philadelphia. While North Carolina’s Halifax Resolves had called for independence earlier that April, Virginia’s powerful backing provided the critical momentum Congress needed to pave the road towards a formal declaration.
On June 7th, 1776, Lee presented Virginia’s resolution for independence to Congress in Philadelphia. Just three days later, on June 10th, Congress decided to form a committee to draft a declaration in anticipation of the resolution’s passage. The very next day, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston were appointed to the renowned Committee of Five. Thomas Jefferson, celebrated for his masterful writing and intellectual prowess, was chosen to pen the document, with Adams and Franklin contributing to its edits before its presentation.
The Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia officially voted ‘yes’ to declaring independence on July 2nd, 1776, with the final draft of the Declaration of Independence formally approved on July 4th, 1776.
This pivotal series of events is deeply tied to Williamsburg: from Richard Henry Lee’s receiving Virginia’s mandate for the ‘Lee Resolution’ at the Capitol, to the profound influence of Williamsburg’s former resident Thomas Jefferson (who studied at William & Mary), and fellow signers like George Wythe (whose home you can visit), Thomas Nelson Jr. (of Yorktown), and Carter Braxton, who also studied at William & Mary alumni. Williamsburg truly helped build a bridge towards American Independence.
Because of Williamsburg’s importance to the patriot cause and its proximity to the York and James Rivers near the Chesapeake Bay, by 1779, fears of future British attack led the capital city to be moved to Richmond in 1780. These fears weren’t unwarranted, the capital city of the Continental government, Philadelphia, had been taken over by The British in late September 1777 through mid-1778 (nine months) after The Battle of Brandywine (PA), before being taken back by the Americans. In 1781 prior to Yorktown, Cornwallis and the likes of Banastre Tarleton and turncoat traitor Benedict Arnold were wreaking havoc on the countryside around Williamsburg and even Richmond. Arnold would burn acres of farmland akin to Sherman’s March.
The loss of its status as a capital city, which made it a major tourism spot as delegates would frequent taverns as well as a center of business, led to Williamsburg’s demise as a flourishing city in the years after the war. However, this very decline and lack of growth in the area in the years following the American Revolution is precisely what protected many of its historic buildings from being torn down.
In addition to learning about the Colonial History of life in Williamsburg, the visitor center clues you into how Colonial Williamsburg came to become a living historical interpretative district. The story begins when Episcopal priest, W.A.R. Godwin of Williamsburg’s Bruton Parish Church began to advocate for conservation not only of the 1711 parish where he served, but Williamsburg as a whole. The likes of John and Abby Rockefeller were heavily involved in funding and helping with the vision of creating a living historic district in Williamsburg to tell America’s Colonial and Revolutionary War history. Williamsburg is unique in that the historic area already had so many Colonial era buildings (around 89 stand today in Colonial Williamsburg). However it was decided to tear down any non-18th century homes within the colonial area and those sites would be replaced with well-researched and close to precise replicas of the original homes that stood there. Perhaps one of the most impressive reconstructions is the Governor’s Palace, which was painstakingly researched from archival research and archaeological research. Read more about the creation of Colonial Williamsburg here
One interesting thing to do is immerse yourself in an archeology talk, where you can speak with experts at Williamsburg about how they use archaeology to continue to bring to life the story of Williamsburg and its residents.
Must See in Colonial Williamsburg:
Original Colonial Structures:
George Wythe House: located on a beautiful lot on the Palace Green steps away from the Governor’s Palace, Wythe lived in this home for many years with his beloved wife Elizabeth Taliaferro. Wythe was an attorney and professor of law at William & Mary, who taught important founders like Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and later Henry Clay. He was known as an advocate for the rights of all and was against slavery. Wythe was a man of science, law, and an ardent patriot. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and later moved to Richmond where he served as a judge. *Fun fact – George Washington used The Wythe House in preparing for The Battle of Yorktown.
If you tour one house in Williamsburg, make sure it is the George Wythe House and Gardens. Learn more here
Peyton Randolph House: Dating to 1715, this home is one of the oldest in Williamsburg and packed with important history. Peyton Randolph served as an attorney in Williamsburg, working for the likes of George Washington, he was the President of the First Continental Congress and served as Speaker of House of Burgesses from 1766 to 1775. The Randolph family is an interesting study in the American Revolution as it shows how families were torn apart in their loyalties. Peyton was an ardent patriot, while his brother John was an impassioned loyalist, who eventually immigrated to England. Peyton Randolph died in 1775 as the Revolution was beginning, yet his patriotic zeal still echoes today. Learn about the prominent Randolph family and Peyton’s role in Colonial America, as well as the lives of the 27 enslaved persons who lived and worked on the property. Learn more here.
Bruton Hall Parish: Bruton Hall has been an active parish since1674, and the current church dates to 1711. You can still attend Episcopal services in this sacred space, as well as Baroque concerts with Bruton Baroque. This church’s congregation in the years leading up to 1776 included Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Randolphs’ and so many others. As a person of faith what draws me into Bruton Hall is the ability to take a moment to pray in these ancient pews and contemplate the wonders of creation in past, present and how I can serve others in the future. Official Bruton Hall website – I highly recommend their Bruton Baroque series
Historic Courthouse – This original building dates to 1770 and was the site of many momentous court proceedings and events in Williamsburg’s history. It was here on July 26, 1776 that The Declaration of Independence was first read aloud by then mayor Benjamin Waller. Today you can watch reenactments of court cases and learn about the justice system in Colonial America.
Governor’s Palace:
Built on the foundation of the original Governor’s Palace this stunning historically accurate recreation invites guests to the seat of Virginia’s Royal Governor. Each room shares perspectives of the role of the Colonial governor, daily life at the mansion, recounting tales of lavish balls and parties, to the more sobering moments as the last Royal Governor Lord Dunmore faced the tides of rebellion and eventually fled the palace. While I’m a patriot, I have to admit, I’d have enjoyed the Christmas party at the palace.
A must-see highlight at The Governor’s Palace are the beautiful gardens, featuring an 18th century maze, similar to the one originally on site in the 1770s. Hedge mazes were popular for recreation, and also the spiritual concept of a labyrinth where you pray and ponder as you work to get to the center of the maze. Take a virtual tour of the palace here.
For a complete list of the history of most historic buildings in Williamsburg, I recommend this guide: Colonial Williamsburg – The Guide: The Official Companion to the Historic Area (written by CW staff)
Planning your itinerary…
While you can enjoy visiting Williamsburg’s main highlights in one day, I recommend blocking off three to four days in Williamsburg, where you can tour the historic homes, visit with tradesmen and women, peruse the shops and enjoy a coffee (boycotting tea circa 1765) and a hearty meal at one of the historic taverns.
Each season, Colonial Williamsburg has fun events going on from re-enactments to fireworks and at Christmas the Grand Illumination. Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg is my favorite time of year. The homes are decorated with homemade wreaths similar to those created during the Colonial period. Christmas trees were a later introduction from German immigrants, so the historic district focuses more on fresh greenery, wreaths and candle displays. Nearby Merchant’s Square has an ice rink every winter and feels like a Christmas Card coming to life.
In addition to the historic houses, daily re-enactments and demonstrations of period trades, you can also sign up for area walking tours, carriage rides and other fun excursions within Williamsburg.
The Kimball Theatre in downtown Williamsburg (Merchant’s Square) always has something going on from plays to guest lecturers and more. Check out their schedule here.
Another can’t miss spot in Colonial Williamsburg is the Art Museums of Williamsburg, which feature the Folk Art Museum and more traditional Colonial Art Museum. This collection is one of the finest of early American portraiture and furniture. Great news – this museum is free, allowing everyone to experience the joy of art. Once of the founders of the collection, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, was an art lover who also helped found the MOMA in New York. Funny Story, her husband John detested modern art preferring the classics, so she and her art friends put the collection in a museum.
The best resource for your planning is The Official Colonial Williamsburg Website and their social media pages.
I also recommend the official tourism website for Williamsburg, which provides information on Colonial Williamsburg and the surrounding area as well.
Where to Eat:
Colonial Williamsburg operates four historic taverns and several snack outposts. You can learn about dining options on their website. Nearby Merchant’s Square offers hungry travelers delicious food as well, all within a few steps of Williamsburg’s Historic District.
A popular dining spot is Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, which is a reconstruction of the original tavern that stood on the property. The menu pays homage to the original tavern cuisine, including George Washington’s favorite dishes when he dined at the tavern. I highly recommend getting reservations in advance.
You find a list of all the Colonial Williamsburg dining options here.
Within Merchant’s Square, my mom and I love to dine at Blue Talon Bistro (steak frites), DoG Street Pub (burger and mixed drinks are mouthwatering), Mellow Mushroom, Aroma’s and so many more…
In the winter, I love to drink the spiced hot cider from the open air food booths within the historic district. They also sell delicious local root beer and ginger ale at many of the Williamsburg gift shops (the root beer is AMAZING)
Where to stay:
Colonial Williamsburg offers official hotel accommodations for guests for various travel sensibilities and budgets. My mom and I have enjoyed staying several times at The Woodlands, which is affordable and family-friendly. The rooms echo back to Colonial style decor and are very laid back.
Other options include:
Williamsburg Lodge (managed by Marriott for Colonial Williamsburg) A historic gem crafted by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in 1939. Part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, this lodge features folk art inspired by the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Museum, creating an atmosphere that’s less formal than a museum but more comfortable than a living room.
Griffin Hotel: A wooded hotel named in honor of William & Mary’s mascot The Griffin (they are known as ‘The Tribe.’) This is a quiet hotel that has modern amenities and breakfast on-site
Williamsburg Inn: The five diamond Williamsburg Inn hosted Queen Elizabeth twice and has a five star price (around $700 a night when we originally looked at staying there a few years back, which unfortunately wasn’t in my budget). They do have a restaurant and bar, and you can enjoy the atmosphere in the dining room if you can’t spend the night (just call for a reservation).
The last two visits to Williamsburg we have stayed at Hampton Inn and also Country Inn and Suites, which were affordable, clean and had excellent customer service.
The advantage of staying at a Colonial Williamsburg run hotel is that you often get tickets for Colonial Williamsburg in your package price, which saves some money. The Woodlands is my favorite of the hotels run by Colonial Williamsburg because it is convenient and relaxing after a full day of exploring the historical sites in the area.
Another lodging option I’m eager to try out is The Fife and Drum in downtown Williamsburg’s Merchant’s Square. Judging from their website the rooms are beautifully appointed with a Colonial inspired theme. Plus it’s near my favorite coffee house Aroma’s only steps away.
Recap: Here are some helpful resources to help plan your Williamsburg getaway:
Official Colonial Williamsburg Website
I hope you enjoyed our time traveling adventures through Colonial Williamsburg. Next up we’re continuing our adventures by highlighting other Must-Visit Williamsburg area spots from Busch Gardens to Jamestown and beyond. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest posts.
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Hi, I’m Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This blog where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When I’m not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. Her new album is available here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
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