This home, which was built in the mid-1750s, belonged to George Wythe, who helped to lead the patriotic movement against England's rule and became Virginia's first signer of the Declaration of Independence. His home, which stands today as part of the Colonial Williamsburg living museum, has been restored to how it would have looked when George Wythe and his wife lived there. Aside from being the home of a famous patriot, the house also served as George Washington's headquarters when the British seized Yorktown. Thomas Jefferson also made a visit to the home in 1776, adding to the house's list of famous guests. Today, visitors can explore the beautiful brick building and perhaps even imagine that they are standing where George Washington once stood.
The Bassett Hall is an 18th Century farmhouse that is known for its prominent owners, lovely architectural details, and Colonial Revival gardens. The house was named in 1800 after its owner Burwell Bassett, who was Martha Washington's nephew. In the the 1920s, John D. Rockefeller Jr. moved in with his wife Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and they renovated the already historic home. Today, you can see how the Rockefellers lived since the building and its furniture has been beautifully preserved. After taking a tour make sure you take a stroll around the gorgeous gardens.
The Governor's Palace was the home of Colony of Virginia's Royal Governors and later post-colonial governors Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Built in the early 1700s, the main building was burned down in 1781 and was reconstructed in 1930. The reconstructed building was based upon the original architectural design as well as influenced by Jefferson's suggested renovations while he was a governor. Visitors can tour this elegant residence which was built to showcase the Crown's influence. After seeing the Palace, make sure you explore the gardens outside and see if you can navigate your way around the boxwood maze.
The Capitol was built in 1705 and housed colonial Virginia's House of Burgesses. The brick building was destroyed in a fire in 1748 and the rebuilt Capital was the sight of several important events, including where Patrick Henry delivered his famous speech against the Stamp Act and where Thomas Jefferson debated the importance of religious freedom. In December 1779 the Virgina government moved to Richmond and the building was used for various businesses, including as a law school and as a military hospital, until it was destroyed in 1881. In 1934 the Capital was rebuilt once again, this time to look like the original Capital, and it was furnished with period decor. It is now it open for tours where you can learn about the Colony of Virgina and the American Revolution.
The Colonial National Historical Park is made up of some of the most important battlefields in the nation's history and memorials to famous war heroes and figures. This park includes Historic Jamestown, Yorktown Battlefield, Colonial Parkway and the Cape Henry Memorial. This vast park lets you travel back to 17th Century colonization and the American Revolutionary War. There is a bevy of family and kid activities including guided tours by extremely knowledgeable historians that will even dress the part of a 17th-century pilgrim, or you can travel by car through the beautiful Colonial Parkway and stop along the way to check out all the sites. Visitor centers and museum shops are located throughout the park so you will never get lost trekking back through history.
Established in 1674, the Bruton Parish Episcopal Church is both architecturally beautiful and the site of several notable historic events. Around the time of the American Revolution the church had several famous attendees, including George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson. In 1862, the church was even used as a Confederate hospital after the Battle of Williamsburg. The church is still active and has regular services, but it does encourage visitors to tour the building to discovery its rich history. Make sure you see the churchyard which may be the largest colonial church graveyard in the state.
The Old Isle of Wight Courthouse was used as the main courthouse by the town of Smithfield for almost 50 years. Nestled in the Historic District in Smithfield, this building is known for its exterior beauty, while the interiors retain their original charm. This building is open for tours all throughout the year. Built between the years 1750 and 1751, it is one of the few remaining architectural examples of arched colonial courthouse. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
This home, which was built in the mid-1750s, belonged to George Wythe, who helped to lead the patriotic movement against England's rule and became Virginia's first signer of the Declaration of Independence. His home, which stands today as part of the Colonial Williamsburg living museum, has been restored to how it would have looked when George Wythe and his wife lived there. Aside from being the home of a famous patriot, the house also served as George Washington's headquarters when the British seized Yorktown. Thomas Jefferson also made a visit to the home in 1776, adding to the house's list of famous guests. Today, visitors can explore the beautiful brick building and perhaps even imagine that they are standing where George Washington once stood.
The Bassett Hall is an 18th Century farmhouse that is known for its prominent owners, lovely architectural details, and Colonial Revival gardens. The house was named in 1800 after its owner Burwell Bassett, who was Martha Washington's nephew. In the the 1920s, John D. Rockefeller Jr. moved in with his wife Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and they renovated the already historic home. Today, you can see how the Rockefellers lived since the building and its furniture has been beautifully preserved. After taking a tour make sure you take a stroll around the gorgeous gardens.
St. Luke's Church is a monolithic Goth-style church that was built in the year 1632. It is known as one of the oldest surviving churches in the country. Today the church operates as a museum. It features an interesting collection of ancient period furniture, 17th-century artifacts and the old organ. The church cemetery also makes for interesting viewing. Hourly tours take you back in time as you enjoy the exquisite intricacies of beautiful colonial architecture and the unique relics on display.
Dating back to 1790, Piney Grove plantation is a historic treasure trove. It holds the honor of being the best preserved exemplar of Early Log Architecture in Tidewater Virginia. It took over a decade to fully restore the grounds to their present state; Piney Grove is an ideal place to see local flora and fauna as well as architecture that best represents how colonial Virginia used to look. The grounds and gardens are open daily for self-guided tours, while Saturdays feature a two hour, three-house, guided in-depth tour on the architecture and history of the Piney Grove Plantation, Ashland, Ladysmith, and other nearby historic sites. Check out the website or call for more information.
The landmark symbol of the College of William & Mary, the Wren Building was constructed in 1700 and is the oldest academic building in the United States that has been in continuous use since its construction. Named after Sir Christopher Wren, a famous English architect, the building is made up of red bricks and features a number of classrooms and offices. It also houses a refectory, a kitchen and a chapel. Though gutted in fire three times, the building still maintains its old school charm and elegance. If you are in Williamsburg and have some time to spare, head to the Wren Building to get a glimpse of history.