Williamsburg

Williamsburg

  • A colonial themed carriage driver smiles on a cool Spring day.

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.

In the News

Where MAGA Granddads and Resistance Moms Go to Learn America’s Most Painful History Lessons

Where MAGA Granddads and Resistance Moms Go to Learn America’s Most Painful History Lessons

August 31, 2024
Politico

Local Events

Colonial Williamsburg’s Spring Homeschool DaysColonial Williamsburg’s Spring Homeschool Days
February 22, 2025 - March 02, 2025
City of Williamsburg

During these special times, homeschoolers and their families can discover history brought to life at a special discounted rate. Join us to visit the h... Read More

A Common Cause To All 2025A Common Cause To All 2025
March 24, 2025 - March 26, 2025
City of Williamsburg

State planners of the 250th commemoration will convene at The Williamsburg Lodge for the third and final time for A Common Cause To All. This event is... Read More

Contact

Andrew Trivette
757-220-6100