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
Colonial Williamsburg: Lighting of the CressetsJoin us on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street for a fan-favorite tradition, the Lighting of the Cressets, as we bring our 18th-century streets to ... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Pursuing HappinessOn the evening before Thomas Jefferson turns his draft of the Declaration of Independence over to a committee, he is visited by three inspiring voices... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Declaration of Independence ReadingThomas Jefferson begins a day of pageantry, celebration, and reflection.... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Noon Reading of the Declaration of IndependenceJoin residents of the 18th-century Williamsburg community as they read the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Courthouse and surroundin... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Salute to the StatesSet 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: Here Every Presence is Warlike"Mars, the great God of Battle, is now honoured in every part of this spacious Colony, but here, every presence is warlike, every sound is martial!" -... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: A Patriotic CelebrationMany events led up to our nations independence, and music told the story as it was happening. Hear a story told by members of the Governors Musick, us... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: Lights of FreedomAs 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
Colonial Williamsburg: Public AuctionListen for the bell and take part in an exciting auction! Bid on select items from the Colonial Williamsburg stores and auction-exclusive items you wo... Read More
Colonial Williamsburg: An Evening with the PresidentsThe United States was as politically divided in its infancy as it is today. Nation Builders will explore how their presidential administrations naviga... Read More
Andrew Trivette
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