Learning Our History – Part 1 – Williamsburg

After the wedding, A Wedding in West Virginia we spent a couple of days with one of Larry’s sisters and her husband, who live outside of Richmond, VA. They took us to Williamsburg first and from there we went to Yorktown. Both are so full of history, both Revolutionary and from the Civil War.

Williamsburg is the “Colonial Capital” of Virginia and is internationally known for its restoration activities and re-creation of 18th-century America at Colonial Williamsburg. Williamsburg was founded in 1632 as Middle Plantation, a fortified settlement on high ground between the James and York rivers. The city was the capital of the Colony and Commonwealth of Virginia from 1699 to 1780 and the center of political events in Virginia leading to the American Revolution. 

Today, Williamsburg is a tourist destination for those who love history, and particularly those who love history about the early days of America. Everything has been restored to represent what life was like in Revolutionary times. The city does a great job of re-enacting the history of the times. There are plenty of shops and restaurants and other buildings you can wonder through as well. You can stroll at leisure on your own, or you can take a guided tour. Either way, you will learn what life was like in the 18th century.

Life in 18th century Williamsburg was torn between the Loyalists, who wanted to remain part of England and still live under the Crown rules and the Patriots who wanted to break free.

This flag was known as the Grand Union flag, which was the first true U.S. flag .

The rise of the patriots. This gentleman was saying he can trace his roots back to the colonial days and his ancestors were part of the founding colonials of Williamsburg.

Life in the early colonial days. The women were out tending to the gardens.

The public transport of the day.

Everyone was on high alert and ready for action. This is the armory. It was always guarded by centuries.

Everyone was armed and many people had their muskets always at the ready.

While under British rule, a Governor was appointed and sent from England. This is the Governor’s mansion.

I believe this was the customs house.

The church was a central figure in everyone’s life. Bruton Parish Church is one of the oldest churches in America and it has been in continual service since 1715.

The Revolutionary War was a war fought for freedom for many, not just the Colonials. This is “Rochambeaux”, the famous French officer who aided the Patriots. There were also plenty of Germans who helped with the war efforts as well.

Only the educated elite knew how to read. Most people were illiterate. The signs to the businesses were in pictures so people knew where to go to attend their daily business.

The “Colonials”. Larry with his sister Lori and her husband Marvin.

I could have easily spent a lot more time here. I love history and I love to learn. I can only speak for myself, but spending the day here, and seeing how people lived, I gained even more appreciation for everything that people went through and the sacrifices they made for our freedoms that we enjoy today. Long live FREEDOM!