Williamsburg
About
Founded in 1632, Williamsburg was the first — and, for a long time, the only — municipality in Virginia, making it the political, educational, and social center of the largest and wealthiest of the 13 colonies. In 1699, Williamsburg succeeded in Jamestown, the first permanent English-speaking settlement in the New World, as Virginia’s Colonial Capital. Here, the ideas of representative government took shape. Here, many of the leaders of the new American republic learned their statecraft. And nearby in Yorktown, independence was won.
Today, the City of Williamsburg is an independent city with an estimated population of approximately 15,550, as of 2021. Williamsburg sits along Interstate 64 corridor midway between Richmond and Norfolk/Virginia Beach — at the center of the Eastern Virginia region, which has a population of more than 2.5 million.
Our Pillar Institutions
The City of Williamsburg is home to the second oldest college in the U.S., William & Mary, and the world’s largest living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
William & Mary, founded in 1693, is a premier public research university that is widely recognized for its outstanding academic reputation, beautiful campus and vibrant community. As a “Public Ivy” — one of only eight in the nation — William & Mary offers a world-class education at an exceptional value.
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a 301-acre outdoor history museum with more than 600 original and reconstructed houses, outbuildings, shops, taverns, and public buildings. Known worldwide for its preservation and interpretation of the nation’s founding, Colonial Williamsburg is the City’s largest taxpayer and tourism driver.
Local Events
Colonial Williamsburg: Sunrise ServiceJune 16, 2024 - June 16, 2024
City of Williamsburg
To commemorate the triumphant spirit of the African American journey, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will host its second annual Juneteenth Sunr... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Master Blacksmith Panel DiscussionJune 17, 2024 - June 17, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Join us at the Hennage Auditorium on Monday, June 17 for a special panel discussion with Jonn Hankins, Darryl Reeves, and Karina Roca. These leaders o... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Communal Quilt ProjectJune 17, 2024 - June 17, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Patchwork quilts date back many centuries and have been found in all cultures across the world. Generations of people recycled discarded fabric remnan... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Freedom Making in WilliamsburgJune 18, 2024 - June 18, 2024
City of Williamsburg
The Williamsburg Bray School Initiative will host a conversation to explore how which individuals made freedom for themselves in Williamsburg, past an... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Portraying the AncestorsJune 18, 2024 - June 18, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Join us for an insightful panel discussion where we delve into the complexities and challenges of portraying enslaved women in historical narratives. ... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Meeting with Master Blacksmith, Darryl ReevesJune 18, 2024 - June 18, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Join us in celebration of Juneteenth at the Public Armoury for talks and demonstrations by Master Blacksmith Darryl Reeves, a third-generation metal w... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Permission to be FreeJune 19, 2024 - June 19, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Join Sheila Arnold on an extraordinary storytelling journey as she invites you to embrace the power of hope, resilience, and the unyielding desire for... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Answer the Call Drum CircleJune 19, 2024 - June 19, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Much of African Music is based on call and response. The drum is the first to announce itself and send a message bringing the community together. As t... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Meeting with Master Blacksmith, Darryl ReevesJune 19, 2024 - June 19, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Join us in celebration of Juneteenth at the Public Armoury for talks and demonstrations by Master Blacksmith Darryl Reeves, a third-generation metal w... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Juneteenth at Sweet Tea & BarleyJune 19, 2024 - June 19, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Sweet Tea & Barley Special Offerings for Juneteenth. $34 per person. Wednesday, June 19, 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. *Full Sweet Tea & Barley Menu Avai... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Salute to the StatesJuly 04, 2024 - July 04, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Set to the pomp and pageantry of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, join the Virginia State Garrison Regiment as they present canon salutes to t... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Noon Reading of the DeclarationJuly 04, 2024 - July 04, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Residents of the 18th-century Williamsburg community read the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Courthouse and surrounding area. ... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Goodwin Room Independence TeaJuly 04, 2024 - July 04, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Enjoy a delightful afternoon with your family and friends while indulging in the fine Afternoon Tea at the Williamsburg Inn with an exciting Revolutio... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Building Washington's ArmyJuly 04, 2024 - July 04, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Calling all brave and well-disposed lovers of liberty! In defense of Independency, recruits of all ages will take part in light military drill with me... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Declaration of Independence ReadingJuly 04, 2024 - July 04, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Thomas Jefferson begins a day of pageantry, celebration, and reflection.... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Traditions Fourth of July DinnerJuly 04, 2024 - July 04, 2024
City of Williamsburg
Join us for a spectacular dinner buffet to celebrate Independence Day at the Williamsburg Lodge. Thursday July 4, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Adult $49.95 C... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Lights of FreedomJuly 04, 2024 - July 04, 2024
City of Williamsburg
As the prelude to the thrilling Fourth of July Fireworks display, our holiday programming concludes with a celebration of the words and music of the A... Read More