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
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: The Arts and Mysteries of BrewingBeer was a common beverage in the 18th century, even for children. Enjoy this enlightening demonstration of the brewing process as it was practiced in... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: The Arts and Mysteries of BrewingBeer was a common beverage in the 18th century, even for children. Enjoy this enlightening demonstration of the brewing process as it was practiced in... 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: Dye Day at the WeaverJoin us as we recreate natural dyes and dye recipes of the 18th century to achieve a spectrum of dazzling colors. We experiment with colors every time... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Lighting of the CressetsJoin us on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street for the Lighting of the Cressets as we bring our 18th-century streets to life at night with strollin... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Lighting of the CressetsJoin us on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street for the Lighting of the Cressets as we bring our 18th-century streets to life at night with strollin... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Public AuctionListen for the bell and take part in an exciting auction! Bid on selected items from the Colonial Williamsburg stores as well as exclusive items not a... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Untold Histories Reverend Gowan PamphletStep into the world of Reverend Gowan Pamphlet—a pioneering Black Baptist preacher and enslaved man—in this compelling one-man program. Throug... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Successful CampaignExperience a rousing concert of 18th-century military field music, presented by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Senior Corps and a special gue... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Grand March and ReviewOn the battlefield, the shriek of fifes and the thunder of drums could be heard up to a mile away. Experience the majesty of 18th-century military mus... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Colonial American ClockmakingEdward Duffield and Colonial American Clockmaking Edward Duffield produced some of the finest tall-case clocks made in North America during the eig... 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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