Williamsburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Site of the First Theatre

Photographed by Denise Boose, July 8, 2012

1. Site of the First Theatre Marker

Inscription. William Levingston, merchant of New Kent County, built the first theatre in English America on this site c. 1716. For three decades companies of actors entertained audiences at the "Play House" with latest successes from the London Stage. In 1745 the City of Williamsburg converted the frame structure into a municipal hall. The building was razed c. 1770 after construction of the Courthouse on Market Square.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Colonial Era • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1716.

Location. 37° 16.369′ N, 76° 42.102′ W. Marker is in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is on Palace Green Street north of West Nicholson Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Elkanah Deane (within shouting distance of this marker); Shop of Kenneth McKenzie (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Carter House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Wythe House and Gardens (about 300 feet away); The Governor's Palace & Gardens (about 400 feet away); Virginia Road Wagon (about

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400 feet away); Grissell Hay Lodging House (about 500 feet away); Roscow Cole House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Photographed by Denise Boose, July 8, 2012

2. Site of the First Theatre Marker

Photographed by Denise Boose, July 8, 2012

3. Site of the First Theatre Marker

Photographed by Denise Boose, July 8, 2012

4. Site of the First Theatre Marker

Photographed by Denise Boose, July 8, 2012

5. Site of the First Theatre Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 1,067 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 12, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.