Williamsburg Highlights

Williamsburg Essentials

Williamsburg served as the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780, playing a pivotal role in the American Revolution. This list highlights the core of the historic district, featuring reconstructed landmarks like the Capitol and Governor’s Palace alongside original 18th-century structures. Visitors can explore the nation’s oldest law school at the College of William & Mary, view extensive folk and decorative art collections, and dine in historic taverns where George Washington once gathered with fellow patriots.

Williamsburg Essentials — Karte

Humberto Moreno / CC BY 2.0

A

Williamsburg Historic District

Colonial Williamsburg is a living-history museum and private foundation presenting a part of the historic district in the city of…

Joe Ross / CC BY-SA 2.0

B

Capitol Building

A reconstruction of the 1705 structure where Virginia’s General Assembly met, this building was the site of Patrick Henry’s 'Caesar-Brutus' speech and the adoption of the Virginia Declaration of Rights.

Agriculture / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Governor's Palace

This building is a former palace of loyalist governor, very well rebuilt and replicated.

Malundy / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

William and Mary College

The College of William & Mary in Virginia, is a public research university in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Bmrbarre / Public domain

E

Bruton Parish House

Bruton Parish Church is located in the restored area of Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States.

attributed to John Rose / Public domain

F

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum is the United States' first and the world's oldest continually operated museum dedicated to…

G

DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum

The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, is a museum dedicated to British and American fine and decorative arts from 1670-1840, located…

Tonamel / CC BY 2.0

H

Christiana Campbell's Tavern

This place has been open since the early 18th century and used to serve General Washington.

I

Public Hospital

This place is the place of the very first mental institution in America. Although it sounds rather eerie, it's worth visiting.

Beags / PD

J

Bassett Hall

Bassett Hall is an 18th-century farmhouse located in Williamsburg, Virginia. It was the home of John D.

K

Market Square

The central green of the historic district, this open space historically hosted public markets, livestock auctions, and militia drills. It is bordered by the Magazine and the Courthouse.