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.
August 31, 2024
Politico
Secrets of the Chocolate MakerAlmost everyone loves chocolate—especially in cooking. Find out how chocolate was used in 18th-century recipes and learn about the work involved in ... Read More
Stables Behind-The-ScenesTreat the animal lover in your life to this one-hour walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg’s modern stables and Rare Breeds Program. During this beh... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Fifes & Drums MarchLose yourself in the Spirit of ’76! Hear the stirring sounds of Revolutionary War field music, courtesy of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums. ... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Haunted WilliamsburgTelling ghost stories in the darkness of night is a centuries-old tradition. Experience Haunted Williamsburg, the ONLY ghost tour that goes inside his... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Cry WitchYou decide! Is Grace Sherwood a witch? Question witnesses. Weigh evidence. Finally, cast your vote for the guilt or innocence of “the Virginia Witch... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Palace ConcertThe regal Palace of the royal governor comes to life as Colonial Williamsburg's early music ensemble, the Governor's Musick, offers an elegant evening... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Dancing at the Governor's Palace"Virginians will dance or die," wrote an 18th-century diarist. What better time than the 21st century to learn a few "new" dance steps? Prepare to exp... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Wit and Wisdom with Benjamin FranklinJoin America’s most versatile Founding Father for a delightful evening of humor, insight, and inspiration as Benjamin Franklin comes to life to shar... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Memorial Day CommemorationJoin us Monday, May 26, at 10 a.m. on Palace Green for a Memorial Day Commemoration. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation honors the men and women of ... Read More
Andrew Trivette
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