Add YOUR Family To This Page
History of Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
Journey back in time to Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
Explore Williamsburg, Virginia, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Williamsburg Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Williamsburg, Virginia
The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg is the second oldest in the United States, it was founded in 1693.
Busch Garden's Old Country Theme Park is located near Williamsburg.
50states.com
Explore even more about Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. Keep reading!
Williamsburg Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
Postcard
Bruton Parish Church, Oldest Episcopal Church in Constant Use in America, Williamsburg, Va.
Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
Postcard
George Wythe House
Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
Postcard
Governor's Palace
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to WILLIAMSBURG
VIRGINIA Genealogy Mug – “My Ancestors Came from Virginia” Front-Porch Wisdom & Back-Porch Gossip Funny Coffee Cup
Celebrate your Virginia roots with a dash of humor! This high-quality ceramic mug is perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, family historians, and anyone who knows that family stories run as deep as the roots themselves. Featuring the witty caption: “My Ancestors Came from Virginia. That explains a lot about my love for front-porch wisdom and back-porch gossip!”—it’s a fun conversation starter for your morning coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Discover Williamsburg: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1693 - February 6 - Royal charter granted College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Va
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
1736 - First Newspaper in Virginia
The first [newspaper] in Virginia was "The Virginia Gazette," printed at Williamsburg in 1736.
colonialwarsct.org/ 1755.htm
The first [newspaper] in Virginia was "The Virginia Gazette," printed at Williamsburg in 1736.
colonialwarsct.org/ 1755.htm
1747 - Williamsburg capital destroyed by fire
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ vatimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ vatimeln.htm
1779 - Capital moved from Williamsburg to Richmond
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ vatimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ vatimeln.htm
1854 - Williamsburg
Williamsburg, a city, capital of James City county, Virginia, CO miles E. from Richmond, and 08 miles N. W. from Norfolk. It is situated on a level plain between James and York rivers, 6 miles from each. It is the oldest incorporated town in the state, and is interesting in historic associations. It was the seat of the royal government previous to the Revolution, and afterwards capital of the state until 1779. William and Mary College, founded at this place in 1092, is the oldest literary institution in the Union, excepting Harvard University, and is nt present in a flourishing condition. The library contains about 6000 volumes, and the students in attendance generally number from 100 to 150. Williamsburg is the seat of the Eastern Lunatic Asylum, which stands deservedly high for its neatness, order, and comfortable accommodations. It has about 200 patients, and a handsome edifice, with all the modern improvements in arrangement. The town contains 3 churches, Episcopalian, Baptist,... Read MORE...
Williamsburg, a city, capital of James City county, Virginia, CO miles E. from Richmond, and 08 miles N. W. from Norfolk. It is situated on a level plain between James and York rivers, 6 miles from each. It is the oldest incorporated town in the state, and is interesting in historic associations. It was the seat of the royal government previous to the Revolution, and afterwards capital of the state until 1779. William and Mary College, founded at this place in 1092, is the oldest literary institution in the Union, excepting Harvard University, and is nt present in a flourishing condition. The library contains about 6000 volumes, and the students in attendance generally number from 100 to 150. Williamsburg is the seat of the Eastern Lunatic Asylum, which stands deservedly high for its neatness, order, and comfortable accommodations. It has about 200 patients, and a handsome edifice, with all the modern improvements in arrangement. The town contains 3 churches, Episcopalian, Baptist,... Read MORE...
1895 - Williamsburg
Williamsburg, a post-town, capital of James City co., Va., is situated on a plain, about 50 miles E.S.E. of Richmond, and 3 miles N. of James River. It is the oldest incorporated town in the state, was the seat of the royal government before the Revolution, and was the capital of the state until 1779. It contains 4 churches, the Eastern Lunatic Asylum, and William and Mary College (Protestant Episcopal), which was founded in 1692 and has a library of 6000 volumes. First settled in 1632. P. 1480.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Williamsburg, a post-town, capital of James City co., Va., is situated on a plain, about 50 miles E.S.E. of Richmond, and 3 miles N. of James River. It is the oldest incorporated town in the state, was the seat of the royal government before the Revolution, and was the capital of the state until 1779. It contains 4 churches, the Eastern Lunatic Asylum, and William and Mary College (Protestant Episcopal), which was founded in 1692 and has a library of 6000 volumes. First settled in 1632. P. 1480.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1900 - Williamsburg - The Ancient Capital by Lyon G. Tyler
WILLIAMSBURG is situated on the famous Peninsula of Virginia, between the James and York rivers. On this Peninsula have occurred some of the most important events in history. One thing alone entitles it to preeminence in American history.
At Jamestown, seven miles distant from Williamsburg, was established the first permanent English settlement on the North American continent. There at Jamestown English settlers planted English institutions, had the first jury trial, and summoned the first assembly of the people. There, too, was the first enunciation on this continent of the memorable principle that taxes must not be imposed except with consent of the people in their representative assembly. All subsequent English colonization in America had its chief inspiration in the successful upbuilding of the settlement at Jamestown. The Peninsula is in truth "the cradle of the Union."
But the Peninsula has also its Yorktown, thirteen miles distant from Williamsburg. This place, which once ... Read MORE...
WILLIAMSBURG is situated on the famous Peninsula of Virginia, between the James and York rivers. On this Peninsula have occurred some of the most important events in history. One thing alone entitles it to preeminence in American history.
At Jamestown, seven miles distant from Williamsburg, was established the first permanent English settlement on the North American continent. There at Jamestown English settlers planted English institutions, had the first jury trial, and summoned the first assembly of the people. There, too, was the first enunciation on this continent of the memorable principle that taxes must not be imposed except with consent of the people in their representative assembly. All subsequent English colonization in America had its chief inspiration in the successful upbuilding of the settlement at Jamestown. The Peninsula is in truth "the cradle of the Union."
But the Peninsula has also its Yorktown, thirteen miles distant from Williamsburg. This place, which once ... Read MORE...
1906
Williamsburg, an independent city, capital of James City co., Va., on a peninsula between the James and York rivers, 48 miles SE. of Richmond, and on the Chesapeake and Ohio R. It is the oldest incorporated town in the state, having been settled in 1632. It was the seat of the royal government from 1698 down to the Revolution, and for a few years the capital of the state. It contains the Eastern Lunatic Asylum, and is the seat of William and Mary College, which was chartered in 1693 and which in 1903 had an attendance of 165. The Bruton Parish Church dates from 1678. Pop. in 1900, 2044.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Williamsburg, an independent city, capital of James City co., Va., on a peninsula between the James and York rivers, 48 miles SE. of Richmond, and on the Chesapeake and Ohio R. It is the oldest incorporated town in the state, having been settled in 1632. It was the seat of the royal government from 1698 down to the Revolution, and for a few years the capital of the state. It contains the Eastern Lunatic Asylum, and is the seat of William and Mary College, which was chartered in 1693 and which in 1903 had an attendance of 165. The Bruton Parish Church dates from 1678. Pop. in 1900, 2044.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia:
1. Colonial Williamsburg: This living history museum is the heart of Williamsburg and a must-visit attraction. Step back in time to the 18th century and explore the restored colonial capital. You can interact with costumed interpreters, visit historic buildings, and gain insights into daily life during the American Revolution.
2. Historic Jamestowne: Just a short drive from Williamsburg, Jamestown is the site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Explore the archaeological remains, see the reconstructed Jamestown Fort, and learn about the early interactions between the English settlers and the Native Americans.
3. Busch Gardens Williamsburg: If you're looking for thrills and entertainment, Busch Gardens is the place to go. This theme park offers a mix of roller coasters, live shows, and beautifully landscaped gardens. It's a great place for families and adrenaline junkies alike.
4. Water Country USA: Beat the Virginia heat by spending a day at Water Country... Read MORE...
1. Colonial Williamsburg: This living history museum is the heart of Williamsburg and a must-visit attraction. Step back in time to the 18th century and explore the restored colonial capital. You can interact with costumed interpreters, visit historic buildings, and gain insights into daily life during the American Revolution.
2. Historic Jamestowne: Just a short drive from Williamsburg, Jamestown is the site of the first permanent English settlement in America. Explore the archaeological remains, see the reconstructed Jamestown Fort, and learn about the early interactions between the English settlers and the Native Americans.
3. Busch Gardens Williamsburg: If you're looking for thrills and entertainment, Busch Gardens is the place to go. This theme park offers a mix of roller coasters, live shows, and beautifully landscaped gardens. It's a great place for families and adrenaline junkies alike.
4. Water Country USA: Beat the Virginia heat by spending a day at Water Country... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Williamsburg Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
We currently have information about 10 ancestors who were born or died in Williamsburg.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Not the place you are looking for? Try again!
Search for YOUR Family by Place
Our Genealogy Gift Ideas
Ancestry Family Tree Search
Search for YOUR Family by Name
NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 9/19/2023 2:28:47 PM