Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area 
One of the most interesting sites in Virginia is Colonial Williamsburg. The town, founded in 1633, was capital of the colony at one time. Its great charm lies not only in the 88 restored and over 50 reconstructed 18th c. buildings but also because it is a living museum, whose "inhabitants", wearing period costume, go about their daily business as cobblers, smiths, barbers, printers, shopkeepers, innkeepers and so on.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area
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The handsomest and most historic buildings are the Capitol (1705) and the Governor's Palace (1720). Outside the historic center is the College of William and Mary (founded 1693), with the oldest academic building in the United States, the Wren Building (1695-9).
If you merely want to stroll about the streets of Colonial Williamsburg (best access on the east side, on North Henry St.) without going into any of the buildings, there is no charge. For admission to the buildings it is necessary to buy a (fairly expensive) ticket at the Visitor Center.
If you merely want to stroll about the streets of Colonial Williamsburg (best access on the east side, on North Henry St.) without going into any of the buildings, there is no charge. For admission to the buildings it is necessary to buy a (fairly expensive) ticket at the Visitor Center.
Colonial Williamsburg
Duke of Gloucester Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
United States
Duke of Gloucester Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
United States
Phone 1 (757) 229-2141
Fax 1 (757) 565-8797
Related Attractions
Colonial Williamsburg - Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum features changing exhibitions of American folk art.
Colonial Williamsburg - Bassett Hall
Bassett Hall located in Colonial Williamsburg is the former home of the Rockefellers. The 19th Century home has been restored and outfitted in the style of the 1930's & 40's. The grounds of the home have extensive gardens that feature beautiful flowering plants.
Colonial Williamsburg - Blacksmith
Actually called the James Anderson Blacksmith Shop, the attraction is located within Colonial Williamsburg. Here visitors are treated to a working blacksmith shop showing the tools of the trade. The noise, heat, dirt and dust are authentic and fascinating.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Colonial Williamsburg - Brush-Everard House
The Brush-Everard House in Colonial Williamsburg presents the life and times of the Thomas Everard. The house, built in 1718, has been meticulously restored to its appearance in 1773 when Everard lived there. The home is noted for its fine staircases and elaborately turned balustrades.
Colonial Williamsburg - Cabinetmaker
The Cabinet Maker, called Hay's Cabinet Shop located in Colonial Williamsburg is a re-created shop from 1767. Here visitors find skilled interpreters creating cabinetry and harpsichords using tools from the 18th Century.
Colonial Williamsburg - DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Gallery
The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Gallery includes the exhibition galleries as well as "the Public Hospital". This area looks at the history of mental illness, including theories and treatment. The Exhibition space displays American and British decorative arts. There is also an on site museum store.
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Gallery
325 Francis Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
United States
325 Francis Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
United States
Phone 1 (757) 220-7693
Fax 1 (757) 565-8804
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 17:00 |
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Read More
Colonial Williamsburg - George Wythe House
The George Wythe House is located in Colonial Williamsburg. This house, considered by many to be the finest in all of Williamsburg, was built in the mid 18th Century. Today visitors can wander through the home and experience what life would have been like in those times. The George Wythe House is furnished in period pieces and the interior decoration is much the same as it would have been in the 18th Century.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Colonial Williamsburg - Governor's Palace
The Governor's Palace located in Colonial Williamsburg has had a turbulent history. The project to build the original structure started in 1706 and was completed in 1722. That building burnt down to its foundations and was replaced with a replica in 1934. During its tenure the Governor's Palace was the social center of Williamsburg, frequently hosting gala dinners and balls. A beautiful blue roof tops this square building with 5 windows facing outwards.
Colonial Williamsburg - Gunsmith
Colonial gunsmithing required the skills of a blacksmith, whitesmith, founder, and woodworker to do fine finishing work on iron and steel, to carve decorative designs, to hammer and cast brass and silver into complex shapes, and to engrave hard and soft metals. Gunsmiths often repaired axes and other items made by blacksmiths, cast shoe buckles and other items like bells, and sometimes repaired silver objects.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | Closed | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Colonial Williamsburg - Harness & Saddlemaker
Eighteenth-century saddlers prepared a variety of saddles (hunt saddles, plantation saddles, hussar saddles, and sidesaddles). A saddler's raw material was steerhide and his primary tools were the crescent-bladed round knife, the pricking iron, and the wooden-handled stitching awl.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Colonial Williamsburg - Peyton Randolph House
The Peyton Randolph House located in Colonial Williamsburg has long been an enduring image of this very historic place. Originally built in 1715, the home was extensively renovated and restored in 1938 and 1967. The home is a dark red color and stands out against the backdrop of large trees.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | Closed |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Colonial Williamsburg - Public Gaol
The Public Gaol at Colonial Williamsburg was built at the turn of the 18th Century and has housed some famous criminals including pirates from the ship Blackbeard. The building was in use until 1910 when it was decommissioned.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Colonial Williamsburg - Public Hospital of 1773
The Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds is a reconstruction of the first public institution for the mentally ill to be built in Colonial America. It opened in 1773 and at first treated more prisoners than patients.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Colonial Williamsburg - Wheelwright
The Wheelwright at Colonial Williamsburg provides a fascinating glimpse into the process of creating wheels. Visitors can see costumed interpreters hard at work at this ancient craft. The interpreters are happy to answer any questions and explain their work as they progress through the stages of creating a perfect wheel.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Colonial Williamsburg - Windmill
The Windmill at Colonial Williamsburg is closed to visitors, however the structure can be viewed from a distance. Once used to grind grain, this large white windmill makes for great photography. The Windmill is unique in its design as it is mounted on four large angular legs and has a round body where the blades are mounted.
