The history of the Revolution can be felt everywhere in Virginia, from the mountains to the beaches. Learn about the American Revolution and Independence and how Virginia helped shape our nation at these attractions and museums.
Archer's HopeCity of Williamsburg
On May 12, a point of land at the mouth of Archer's Hope Creek (now College Creek), a little below Jamestown, was examined in detail. Capt. Gabriel Archer was particularly impressed with this location and urged that it be the point of settlement. The... Read More
Brafferton BuildingCity of Williamsburg
Completed in 1723, the Brafferton building, a Georgian structure that originally housed Indigenous grammar school students and their teacher or "master," remains a key structure on William & Mary's historic campus. Beyond its architectural grandeur t... Read More
Bray SchoolCity of Williamsburg
The Williamsburg Bray School, established by the London-based Anglican charity known as the Associates of Dr. Bray, was one of the earliest institutions dedicated to Black education in North America. Over the school's 14 years of operation, from 1760... Read More
Chickahominy Water TrailCity of Williamsburg
The Chickahominy Water Trail, as a leg of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, leads paddlers and boaters in the wake of Captain Smith up the Chickahominy River. Interpretive displays reveal the historical, cultural and ecolo... Read More
Church on the MainCity of Williamsburg
The Powhatan Creek Trail in James City County links to a number of historic sites along its path including the Tomb of the Unknown Patriot Solider of the American Revolution, the Church on the Main and Mainland Farm. The path is accessible to walkers... Read More
Colonial WilliamsburgCity of Williamsburg
Williamsburg was the thriving capital of Virginia when the dream of American freedom and independence was taking shape. From 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg was the political, cultural and educational center of what was then the largest, most populous and... Read More
George Wythe HouseCity of Williamsburg
The George Wythe House on Palace Green belonged to George Wythe (pronounced "with"), a leader of the patriot movement in Virginia, a delegate to the Continental Congress, and Virginia's first signer of the Declaration of Independence. The house also ... Read More
Tomb of the Unknown SoldierCity of Williamsburg
The Powhatan Creek Trail in James City County links to a number of historic sites along its path including the Tomb of the Unknown Patriot Solider of the American Revolution, the Church on the Main and Mainland Farm.The path is accessible to walkers,... Read More
Wren BuildingCity of Williamsburg
On the campus of William and Mary the Wren Building was built in 1695. Considered the oldest academic structure in America, the Wren Building served as a Confederate hospital and quarters in 1861. Confederate troops under Brig. Gen. Jubal Early ca... Read More