Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg. Patriots like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry made the first moves toward independance from Great Britain here. You will encounter these men - along with other men, women, and children; poor, middle-class, and rich; enslaved and free - people that over 200 years ago started to lay down the ideas and values that created American democracy. Go to their homes.

See them at work in their trade sites and shops. Participate with them - at a jury trial, in a military drill, as a member of the House of Burgesses. Begin to comprehend first-hand the differences of opinions among our 18th-century residents, and how they came to agreements and founded a new nation. Hopefully you will be inspired and enlightened and learn to appreciate how far our nation has come since then and how far we have to go, by the programs and people that re-create daily life at Colonial Williamsburg.

It truly is a awesome experience. Virginia in the 18th-century is what Colonial Williamsburg takes you back to. It's almost like stepping into a time machine. Williamsburg, Virginia, is located on Interstate 64, 150 miles south of Washington D.C., 50 miles east of Richmond, and 50 miles west of Norfolk. In the middle of the city of Williamsburg lies Colonial Williamsburg, a trip back in time. Life there truly appears as it did back then. There is a 173-acre Historic area of life on the eve of the American Revolution.

There is the mile long "main street", Duke of Gloucester street, and tunneling below is the Colonial Parkway, which connects Colonial Williamsburg to nearby Yorktown and Jamestown. Each day at Colonial Williamsburg brings a variety of activities and programs you can participate in. They have a rotating schedule for the regular programs, but as the seasons change thier special programs change too. Each year at special times they also have re-enactments of important colonial history moments.

Mid-February they have a celebration of George Washington. Of the first five American Presidents, four were Virginians. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were two. Programs historical re-enactments, and lectures during Presidents Weekend celebrate our early leaders. George Washingtons birthday is February twenty-second. The activities that weekend include George Washingtons traditional review of the troops. Mid-June is Brothers in Arms : The African-American Military Experience. From the Revolutionary War to World War II African-American men representing soldiers take up temporary residence at Carter's Grove to demonstrate military techniques, discuss life in military camps, and re-enact hard fought historic battles.

Late-June Under the Redcoat : Lord Cornwallis Occupies Williamsburg. Prior to the battle of Yorktown, 1781, British soldiers occupy the city by imposing martial law. At Market Square more than 200 military re-enactors camp, setup military checkpoints, patrol the city, and conduct courts martial. Make sure you know the password if your wandering the city at night. Fourth of July Independence Day - They begin the day with Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps salute to the 13 colonies.

The Decleration of Independence is read from the Courthouse steps at noon. The Governor's Palace has a garden party at evening with entertainment and Virginia delecacies. The 4th ends with a salute on Palace Green and of course fireworks. Mid-July A Town Unchained : The Continental Army Encamps at Williamsburg. In 1781 under command of the Marquis de Lafayette Continental troops march into the city, prior to the battle of Yorktown, to relieve it's citizens of British Martial law. Lafayettes arrival is converged on by more than 200 re-enactors.

In Early-September A Call to Arms and Action : A Muster of Troops and the first Virginia Convention. British and American colonies relations worsened and delegates were elected to a new American government. Groups of armed citizens organized in response to the Boston Tea Party. 18th-century diversions and a horse race are part of the weekend's re-enactment's.

This is such a short description of Colonial Williamsburg and all it has to offer. It is truly a wonderful and amazing experience, and a excellent history lesson of how our country was founded, all in one. If you have seen Mel Gibsons "The Patriot" movie this place is the real thing, where it all actually took place. And the movie, which I loved, does not do justice to the real experience of seeing and being a part of the true history. I highly recommend you visit this awesome place and piece of American history if you ever get a chance.