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Viewing Williamsburg, Virginia: a City Full of Rich Colonial HistoryWilliamsburg, Virginia: a City Full of Rich Colonial History
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Williamsburg, Virginia is a city full of rich history. Though some may view history as dull, history comes to life in Williamsburg. This town brings visitors to another era as they learn about the events and people that played a key part in the past. By Vickie Dodson Williamsburg, Virginia is a city full of rich history. At one time, it was the bustling social, political, and economic center of life in Virginia. Williamsburg is where the first Continental Congress was held in 1774, and where the first ten amendments to the Constitution were penned. Citizens from every corner of the Virginia Colony would report to Williamsburg for fairs, festivals, and balls. Williamsburg did eventually slow to a boring town filled with farms and businesses. However, the City was remodeled in the early 1900s to its previous glory. Buildings were restored to be as they were when the city was full of life. Today, a visit to Williamsburg means a step back in time. Visitors will enjoy seeing different important buildings that played a part in our nation's history, excellent exhibits and demonstrations about life in the 18th century, and other historically accurate attractions. Several buildings are open for public visits. One of these is the governor's palace. The mansion, home for the first two governors of Virginia, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, sits on ten acres of restored gardens. The house is furnished with time-period pieces and accurate to the way the house was decorated while it was occupied. It is also fun to explore the grounds, which include a stable, a carriage house, a kitchen, a bathhouse, and other smaller buildings. The public gaol, which is pronounced 'jail', is also a place visitors will be interested in seeing. This jail, which still contains part of its original walls, was used to hold pirate crews, escaped slaves, Indians, debtors, or other criminals. Inside, tourists can see the cells in which prisoners were kept, along with a display of real shackles and leg irons from the era. It is not all 'look and don't touch' while visiting Williamsburg. Many activities engage visitors in what they are seeing. At some places, visitors can take part in performing household tasks that would have been carried out, using real objects from the 18th century. Guests can also learn how to make paintings, do old-fashioned puzzles, play games such as lawn bowling or pick-up sticks, or learn different songs and dances. There are also several plays that take place each night, using different scenarios that could have happened during that time. Do not forget to keep your eyes open for historical actors that are on hand to answer any questions you might have. A perfect end to a colonial day is a meal in one of the many restored taverns in Williamsburg. Most of the taverns serve authentic foods from the 1700s. Menus are compiled with items like lamb, oysters, clam chowder, crab cakes, sweet potato muffins, ducks, and veal. Although this can be very interesting and authentic, some taverns also offer food such as barbecue, hot dogs, ribs, or burgers. Either way, the decor at all the taverns is excellently restored and historically accurate. No matter what is on the plate, customers are sure to feel that they have entered another world. Though some may view history as dull, history comes to life in Williamsburg. The colonial setup of this memorable town brings visitors to another era as they learn about the many important events and people that played a key part in making Williamsburg what it was and what it has become today. About the Author: Vickie Dodson - Adventure Student Travel - Group Travel Coordinator bus tours, group tours, group cruises - student travel, educational tours. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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