Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg: history

Three towns close together tell the story of early America. Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the first lasting English settlement. Williamsburg was the capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1780. At Yorktown in 1781 the British surrendered to George Washington, and the Revolutionary War was won.

From 1926 the old town of Williamsburg was restored with money from John D. Rockefeller Jr. It is now the largest living-history museum in the world.

Williamsburg: tourist attractions

• Colonial WilliamsburgThe Governor's Palace, the Capitol and tradespeople in costume.
• Busch GardensA theme park with European villages and big roller coasters.
• Water Country USAA water park, open in summer.
• Historic JamestowneThe site of the first fort, where archaeologists still dig.
• Jamestown SettlementReplicas of the three ships and the fort.
• Yorktown BattlefieldWhere the war ended, with a fine museum of the Revolution.
• Colonial ParkwayA 23-mile scenic road that links the three towns.

Williamsburg: excursions nearby

• Newport News about 20 milesThe Mariners' Museum.
• James River plantations about 30 milesOld houses and gardens beside the river.
• Norfolk about 45 milesThe battleship Wisconsin and the harbour.
• Richmond about 50 milesThe state capital, with a Capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson.
• Virginia Beach about 60 milesA long ocean beach and boardwalk.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.