From 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia. Here, Thomas Jefferson studied law, and later he, George Washington, Patrick Henry, and other patriot leaders plotted America’s freedom from Great Britain. When the capital of Virginia was moved to Richmond in 1780, Williamsburg began to deteriorate.

In 1926, Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin approached John D. Rockefeller Jr. with a dream of restoring Williamsburg. Clustered around the one-mile stretch of Duke of Gloucester Street, the town that you will see here now is little changed from the one that our founding fathers knew. Homes and trade sites have been restored or rebuilt as accurately as possible, using existing foundations and period-appropriate materials. Even the animals are true to the 18th century, as they’re based on breeds that were common then.

Music from a tavern balladeer, delicious aromas emanating from a kitchen hearth, and the taste of fresh bread from the bakery—your visit will be a full sensory trip to the past.

Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area is a living, working city, and we’re open 365 days a year. Skilled craftsmen create items like saddles, garments and cartwheels for the use of other Colonial Williamsburg tradespeople and citizens; people actually live in the homes you’ll pass by, and real commerce takes place within the town’s many shops and taverns.