History of Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

The first [newspaper] in Virginia was "The Virginia Gazette," printed at Williamsburg in 1736.

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,...

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.