Colonial Williamsburg
From 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg was the capital of England’s oldest, largest, richest and most populous mainland North American colony and the seat of power in the new nation’s most influential state. Named in honor of William III, king of England, and designed by Royal Gov. Francis Nicholson, Williamsburg is one of the country’s oldest planned communities.
Encompassing 301 acres, Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area re-creates 18th-century Williamsburg as it appeared preceding and during the American Revolution. Throughout the city, sights, sounds, and activities help guests reconnect with America’s past and become active participants in 18th-century life. The Historic Area is protected from modern intrusions by a 2,800-acre greenbelt.
Revolutionary City
Colonial Williamsburg’s Revolutionary Cityis a dynamic two-hour event that reflects Williamsburg’s role in one of America’s defining historical periods. Each day, the east end of the Historic Area comes alive as guests become a part of the town’s activities.
Participants have the opportunity to witness the collapse of the royal government and revolutionary citizens at war, join the debate over the newly written Declaration of Independence and march from the Capitol to the Courthouse as Washington and his troops begin their journey toward Yorktown and victory.
A Three Night, Four Day Visit Plan
A Colonial Willimasburg “Day” has a major two hour re-enactment in the late morning (10:30 am - 12:30 pm), with afternoon times of various presentations / open houses and finally shows and walking tours in the evening.
The following suggestion allows you to see most of what is offered. (This plan assumes arriving in the area in the morning of your first day, checking into your lodgings and then going to Williamsburg in the early afternoon.)
Arrival day: Visitor Center to get oriented, do some exploring ending with a Dinner and a Show.
At the visitor center there is a 38 minute introductory film, free parking, a shuttle to the Historic zone, and a big souvenir shop.
Plan on at least an hour there to purchase/pick up your ticket, see the film and get oriented.
Leave your car in the parking lot, use the shuttle bus to get to the city. They run all day and late into the evening.
Take the 30 minute Orientation walk that starts every 10-15 minutes anytime between 9 am and 4 pm. If you have time, visit one of the museums on the south side of town, take a carriage ride around town (reservations required) or go shopping at the Merchants Square.
After dinner, attend one of the “Walking Tours” or “Shows” in the evening. (Make sure to make reservations ahead of time in the busy months.)
Day 2 & 3: Two full days of Williamsburg. (Open 9 am to 5 pm)
A Colonial Williamsburg day is organized into a three parts. The “Historic City Re-enactment” is a two hour block of time and it is the “big show.” It runs from middle morning through early afternoon.
This re-enactment has two “acts”, performed on alternate days.
Act I - Collapse of the Royal Government : Events before the Revolution (performed on Tues., Thurs., Sat.)
Act II - Citizens at War : Events during and ending the Revolutionary (performed on Wed., Fri., Sun.)
Each act ends with a Fifes and Drums march that everyone joins in to the last location.
If you want to get the whole Revolutionary story, you need to participate/attend both parts. (In winter months this all moves indoors.)
NOTE: Monday has a special program called “Nation Builders” comprised of many of the personalities of the Revolution plus some “just folks.” It’s a good bet if all you have is one day and that day is Monday.
The re-enactments start at one location within the “Revolutionary City” boundaries and then everybody walks to another area a block or so away where different characters are encountered. Often there are four or more people and they speak about the events both in dramatic/conversational style with each other or in proclamation style to the gathered crowd. (Wireless microphones and speakers in the trees allow for clear hearing.)
Only ticket holders are allowed into the “Revolutionary City” at that time.” These re-enactments are powerful and well done.
The afternoon is filled with shorter presentations scattered around the city plus time to wander about, take a carriage ride and visit all the various “businesses” and displays. You can easily spend an hour in your favorite shop/craft recreation.
After dinner, take in one or two of the evening “shows” or “walking tours.” But be sure to get your tickets early.
Last Day: A day to say goodbye
After you have packed and checked out of your lodgings, you can stop by the Merchant’s square and do all the shopping you put off.
A final stroll around town is worth it to think about what the Revolution, Liberty, Freedom is all about. Think about the future of our nation as well.
Alternate “One Day” Plan:
Arrive early, get to the Visitor Center by 8:45 am. Move quickly and catch first re-enactment. See a couple of shows that night. Stay one night, catch second re-enactment the next morning and then stay as long as you can before returning home.
This information is based on the efforts of multiple WikiTravel contributors. The original article can be accessed at: http://wikitravel.org/en/williamsburg . It is reproduced under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareALike 1.0. USA Tours Pros accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies in the information presented and merely offers the article as a resource for the Tour Professional.