Serving as the capital city of the Virginia Colony for about 80 years during the 18th century, Williamsburg played a prominent role in the creation of the America that we know today. History buffs looking for an immersive getaway steeped in patriotism will be delighted by the historic monuments and sights that are located in Williamsburg and throughout the surrounding area. While the greater Williamsburg area offers many unique things to do as well as kid-friendly activities, the area is most notable for its patriotic history. Historical offerings range from living history museums that allow you to take a step back in time, to preserved battlefields where the air hangs heavy with sacrifice and hope. Below, we detail the top five historic sights and monuments in Williamsburg to help you plan your visit.
1. Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg
There are few other places in the country where it's possible to walk through the streets of Colonial America and experience exactly what life was like during the American Revolution. Colonial Williamsburg is a larger-than-life living history museum that includes nearly 90 original 18th-century buildings as well as a wealth of reconstructed buildings and mirror structures that once existed in the community.
From government buildings to family homes and community sites, Colonial Williamsburg offers plenty of historic things to see and do. Visitors of all ages are able to walk through the streets and feel as if they, too, are part of the Virginia Colony at the time that revolutionary ideals were being discussed and promoted at length. Some of the most prominent and well-known historic properties in Colonial Williamsburg include:
- Governor's Palace: Built in the early years of the 18th century to house the royal governors of the Virginia Colony, the Governor's Palace showcases the opulence and grandeur that was preferred by the English. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the interior and learn more about the royal governors, lieutenant governors, staff members and enslaved people who called it home.
- The Capitol Building: Housing the government of Virginia during much of the 18th century, Williamsburg's Capitol Building was where some of the first discussions of what independence and freedom might look like in America.
- George Wythe House: One of the family homes located in Colonial Williamsburg is the George Wythe House, which was the residential home of George Wythe, who signed the Declaration of Independence and attended the Constitutional Convention as a delegate.
- Raleigh Tavern: Serving as the central hub of community life in Colonial Williamsburg, Raleigh Tavern was where the revolutionaries met up to discuss happenings, create plans and share their ideals for independence.
These buildings are more than just places to visit; they are attractions where guests have the opportunity to interact with interpreters and skilled artisans who bring this museum to life. History buffs who are interested in seeing the top Williamsburg monuments will not want to pass up a day or two spent in Colonial Williamsburg.
2. Jamestown Settlement
Williamsburg is uniquely positioned in America's Historic Triangle and the Jamestown Settlement is considered to be one of the top historic things to do in Williamsburg. Similar to Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum that gives visitors the opportunity to experience what life might have been like in the first English settlement in the New World. In addition to being home to a variety of historic exhibits and galleries that let people explore the history of the settlement, Jamestown Settlement also includes three distinct living history areas:
- Paspahegh Town: Recreated based on archaeological findings, oral tradition and historic records from English colonists, Paspahegh Town showcases the community and traditions of the Paspahegh tribal group. Visitors can interact with historical interpreters who demonstrate traditional Powhatan crafts, activities and community events.
- Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery Ships: At Jamestown Settlement, you can step aboard the recreated vessels that the original settlers traveled on to the New World. Historical interpreters are available to detail the voyage and explain what conditions the colonists may have faced on their journey.
- James Fort: This recreated fort shows what English life was like in the new settlement. Once inside, you will be greeted by historical interpreters who will tell you more about farming practices and trades that were common at the time.
While not located on the exact site where the original settlement was, the Jamestown Settlement historic attraction provides visitors with an engaging and realistic experience that allows them to imagine what it may have been like to be one of the original colonists at the turn of the 17th century.
3. Historic Jamestown
For those who want an authentic and enlightening experience, Historic Jamestown is one of the best attractions to visit. Historic Jamestown is not a living history museum; rather, it's an active archaeological site in which researchers are working to uncover and preserve the original Jamestown settlement.
Travelers will find that this is an educational experience, with the average visit lasting between 2 and 6 hours. It's the perfect half-day excursion when you are exploring America's Historic Triangle.
Visitors are welcome to enjoy a self-guided tour of the archaeological site, which includes important Williamsburg monuments, such as:
- Tercentennial Monument
- Pocahontas Statue
- Hunt Shrine
- General Assembly Monument
- John Smith Statue
- Wooden Cross
Those who prefer additional information and historical context may prefer to take a guided tour, which offers expert insight into the archaeological site. Guided walking tours are led by historians and archaeologists who work on the site and they take place throughout the year. These tours are available more frequently during the spring and summer months. In general, tours last for about an hour and take visitors to some of the most famous spots in the settlement. Visitors can choose from different tour topics, allowing them to enjoy an experience that aligns with their particular interests. Throughout the site, visitors will encounter living history experiences and historical interpreters, who share more about settlement life.
4. Yorktown Battlefield
Yorktown Battlefield is part of Colonial National Historical Park in Virginia and is maintained by the National Park Service. The Battle of Yorktown was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War and is the site where the Americans officially gained independence from the British, making it one of the best historic monuments to see in Williamsburg.
Those with a deep appreciation for history and a love of their country will find that a visit to Yorktown Battlefield is a powerful experience. One of the best ways to begin is with a stop at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, where you will encounter helpful guides who can assist you in planning your day there.
To experience the battlefield itself, you will need to use the Battlefield Tour Roads. These roads are accessible by car or bicycle and there are audio tours available to give drivers and passengers information as they navigate the area. The two primary routes include the Yellow Route and the Red Route.
The Yellow Route is open year-round and includes a 9-mile stretch of roadway that takes visitors through the Allied Encampments. It takes about 30 minutes to drive this route, but it may take you longer if you decide to stop at the historical markers along the way.
The Red Route is a 7-mile stretch that takes visitors to the most important spots on the battlefield itself. It takes about 45 minutes to complete this route, but you may want to allocate more time so that you can spend moments of reflection at the various historical sites on the tour.
In addition to the battlefield, visitors also have access to Historic Yorktown, where they can see for themselves what life was like in 1781 when the battle began and the war finally came to an end. Historic Yorktown is open year-round for self-guided tours. It's recommended that you spend about an hour or so here, allowing you to get the full flavor of the site.
5. Monticello
If you are looking for a day trip to extend your historic tour of Williamsburg and Virginia, then you may want to consider a visit to Monticello, which is the home of Thomas Jefferson. Monticello is located in Charlottesville, Virginia and is about a two-hour drive from Williamsburg.
Situated at the top of a Virginia mountain, Monticello is a plantation that not only housed the author of the Declaration of Independence, but also tells the complicated history of America. Here, visitors can tour Jefferson's home as well as walk through the plantation, where they can hear the stories of the enslaved people who lived and worked there. Monticello is the only presidential home in the country that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must-visit historic site for anyone who is passionate about the founding of our country.
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