"In the middest {of the fort} is a…pretty chapel.... It is in length threescore foot, in breadth twenty-four, and shall have a chancel in it of cedar."
—William Strachey, 1610
Wheat was usually trodden out by horses or oxen and threshing machines were rare. By the mid-nineteenth century, progressive farmers eagerly embraced improvements as they came along. Many bought farm machinery and joined agricultural societies, . . . — — Map (db m295105) HM
This exhibition traces the religious heritage of transported Africans and their descendants in Virginia and the development of an African American Baptist congregation in Williamsburg in the late eighteenth century. Drawn to the message of equality . . . — — Map (db m228996) HM
Free, freed, and enslaved African American people were an essential part of the colonial economy and contributed significantly to the success of the colony. Although we do not know their names, they provided much of the labor to construct the church . . . — — Map (db m287230) HM
By the early nineteenth century, farmers in Tidewater Virginia found themselves in dire straits. Soil became acidified by the long-term production of tobacco, greatly reducing agricultural productivity. However, economic conditions began to improve . . . — — Map (db m295108) HM
A 1683 map reveals that the Governor's Land tract was then subdivided into numerous farms of various sizes. Many of those who leased acreage in the mainland actually resided in urban Jamestown. One was William Sherwood, an attorney who served in the . . . — — Map (db m295104) HM
Successful saddler Alexander Craig acquired this house in 1755. He lived in the left portion and operated his business on the right until his death in 1776. — — Map (db m227152) HM
Emigrant printer Purdie bought this house in 1767. He launched the Virginia Gazette in 1774. One of three local newspapers of the same name. — — Map (db m227155) HM
Richard Bland, student in 1725, the first to announce in a formal pamphlet that England and the American colonies were co-ordinate kingdoms under a common crown, 1764.
Dabney Carr, student in 1762, patron of the resolutions in 1775 . . . — — Map (db m66922) HM
The Ambler House was built by the Ambler family in the 1750s as the centerpiece of a fine plantation estate. A refined Georgian-style home, it was comparable to the elegant George Wythe House in Williamsburg. The house was burned in two wars, and . . . — — Map (db m166340) HM
In front of you is the “Archaearium,” an archaeological museum of early Jamestown history. Its exhibits explore both the James Fort excavations and those of the site above which it sits – the Statehouse, the first building built . . . — — Map (db m17044) HM
Archaeological Analysis
Freedom Park is located on part of the Hot Water Tract, which totaled approximately 1,782 acres. This cemetery contains the remains of at least 160 people. Burials of infants, children and adults were discovered at . . . — — Map (db m295084) HM
What caused this maple tree to grow this way? During an ice storm around 1990, the weight of the ice caused it to lean over. Little by little, the original treetop rots away while new tops are sprouted. As you can see, one sprout (or sucker) is . . . — — Map (db m295126) HM
The great Indian massacre of March 22, 1622, during which a quarter of the population of Virginia was slain came nearest to Jamestown here in a community known as Archer's Hope. At the house of Ensign William Spence five persons were killed-- John . . . — — Map (db m31085) HM
Originally constructed in 1890
at the east end of Duke of Gloucester Street
by Judge Cary Peyton Armistead
Moved here by Colonial Williamsburg in 1995
Includes bricks, timbers, sash windows and doors
from R. Charlton’s Colonial Era . . . — — Map (db m226925) HM
Art Matsu, renowned football player, was the first Asian American student to graduate from William & Mary. A four-year starter at quarterback (1923–1926), he earned a national reputation while guiding William & Mary’s powerful offense. As team . . . — — Map (db m238116) HM
At Jamestown began: the Expansion overseas of the English speaking peoples; the Commonwealth of Virginia; the United States of America; the British Commonwealth of Nations — — Map (db m17006) HM
A small group of Spanish Jesuits attempted a settlement in Virginia in September, 1570. They are said to have entered James river and landed along this creek and crossed the peninsula to establish a mission near York River. Six months later all were . . . — — Map (db m30732) HM
Christopher and Anne Ayscough opened a tavern here in 1768. They purchased the house with money left by Governor Faquier to Anne, his head cook “in recompence to her great fidelity and attention” in all his “illnesses.” — — Map (db m227971) HM
As Jamestown expanded beyond the fort, the Virginia Company sent William Claiborne to survey lots in New Towne. There Ralph Hamor patented an acre and a half lot in 1624. Hamor’s deed made it clear that at least three streets already existed – . . . — — Map (db m17115) HM
In 1676 the colony became embroiled in the popular uprising known as Bacon's Rebellion. Due to conflicts between the frontier settlers and American Indians, the settlers asked Governor Berkeley's government for protection. Fearful and frustrated . . . — — Map (db m295098) HM
In 1676 the colony became embroiled in the popular uprising known as Bacon's Rebellion. Frontier settlers whose homesteads were attacked by hostile Indians, asked Governor Berkeley's government for protection. Fearful and frustrated by the lack . . . — — Map (db m295099) HM
This interpretation of a "mud-and-stud" structure was made possible by a generous donation from The Jamestowne Society.
The gift was made in honor of archaeologist Dr. William M. Kelso, whose 25 years of leadership and perseverance led . . . — — Map (db m240209) HM
Like this experimental frame structure before you, most buildings found at James Fort were of earthfast or post-in-ground construction. Main structural posts were seated directly in the ground without the use of footings. Once the building . . . — — Map (db m100109) HM
Nearby, late in the afternoon of 6 July 1781, Gen. Charles Cornwallis and cavalry commander Col. Banastre Tarleton with 5,000 British and Hessian troops clashed with 800 American troops commanded by Brig. Gen. “Mad” Anthony Wayne and the Marquis de . . . — — Map (db m194748) HM
On July 6, 1781, the Battle of Green Spring was fought in this vicinity. Cornwallis, through an elaborate ruse, tricked the Allies into believing the main body of the British Army had withdrawn across the James River. As a result, when American . . . — — Map (db m295101) HM
Hear the crack of flintlock muskets and smell the smoke from cannon fire! On this site, on July 6, 1781, 5,000 British troops under General Charles Cornwallis and Colonel Banastre Tarleton clashed with 900 American soldiers led by the Marquis de . . . — — Map (db m30651) HM
"The General is happy in acknowledging the spirit of the detachment...he happened to be an eye-witness."
General Orders
Marquis de Lafayette
July 8, 1781
The Revolutionary War Battle of Green Spring took place in the open fields . . . — — Map (db m292741) HM
In memory of the 6 Virginia & 22 Pennsylvania Line Patriots who died in The Battle of Green Spring on July 6, 1781 & are buried near here.
By their sacrifices they made possible the establishment of a free United States of America. — — Map (db m99079) WM
To the east of the road here, centering at Fort Magruder, was fought the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5, 1862. The Union General McClellan was pursuing General Johnston’s retiring army, the rearguard of which was commanded by General Longstreet. . . . — — Map (db m130379) HM
The Battle of Williamsburg, fought on 5 May 1862, was the first major engagement of the Peninsula Campaign. Union Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, slowly advancing from Hampton Roads toward Richmond, encountered the rear guard of Confederate Gen. . . . — — Map (db m166339) HM
As the May 5, 1862, Battle of Williamsburg raged along the Bloody Ravine and in front of Fort Magruder, the Union commander sought to turn the flank of the Confederate defenses. Gen. Joseph Hooker was convinced that the right flank was unoccupied . . . — — Map (db m77991) HM
(Preface) In April 1862, Union forces under Gen. George B. McClellan began a major campaign to capture Richmond, marching west from Fort Monroe up the Peninsula between the York and James Rivers toward the Confederate capital. A . . . — — Map (db m184908) HM
A critical part of the Battle of Williamsburg took place here on May 5, 1862. Union troops occupied the ridge to your right across present-day U.S. Route 60. The Confederate line of redoubts stood to your left on the ridge to the west. Felled timber . . . — — Map (db m164872) HM
Builder Benjamin Powell owned this property from 1763 to 1782. He built or repaired several prominent buildings, including the public gaol. The tower at Bruton Church, and the public hospital. — — Map (db m228198) HM
Lawyer Benjamin Waller acquired this property about 1746. It remained in his family for over 130 years. Waller held a variety of posts including Burgess, Clerk of the General Court, and Vestry of Bruton Parish. — — Map (db m227763) HM
Lawyer Benjamin Waller was George Wythes law teacher. Waller likely used this building as his law office and as a clerk’s office for his many government positions. — — Map (db m227802) HM
By Avard T. Fairbanks, Ph. D. (1897-1987)
Created for the nation's bicentennial in 1976, this striking likeness has won national acclaim for portraying the spirit and indomitable will of the "Father of Our Country"
The first bronze . . . — — Map (db m190388) HM WM
The varied habitats of the Greensprings Greenway provide clean water, food, shelter and a safe place for birds to raise their young. Approximately 250 species of birds regularly visit the Williamsburg area. More than 150 species, including Warblers, . . . — — Map (db m295133) HM
A 1770 property settlement called this structure…”The Blue Bell, a large house just behind the Capitol.” Long used as a rental, it variously served as a tavern, lodging house, and gunsmith’s shop. — — Map (db m227779) HM
Carpenter and constable Richard Booker built this structure as a rental. He began renting out rooms in his “new” house at “one dollar per month” in March 1826. Altered in the 1950s, the house has not been restored. — — Map (db m228200) HM
The Rev. John Bracken, Rector of Bruton Parish for 45 years, purchased this rental property in 1787. Married to Sally Burrell of Carters Grove he held extensive real estate along Francis Street until his death in 1818. — — Map (db m227982) HM
In 1770, Mary Davis advertised lodgings for ladies and gentlemen, noting “Any ladies that may choose to spend a few weeks, whether for pleasure or education, may do it here both reasonably and conveniently.” — — Map (db m227037) HM
This small house, with only 288 square feet of living space, has a brick chimney, glass windows, and stairs leading to an overhead loft. A house of this type would have been occupied by Anthony Brown, a farmer and former Lee slave freed in 1805. . . . — — Map (db m226543) HM
William Bryan and his heirs owned this property from the 1700s until 1818. After early residential use the building, served. as a grocery store and a school. — — Map (db m227734) HM
The human history of Jamestown Island begins much earlier than 1607. The first native inhabitants walked this site 10,000 years ago. At that time, the James River was nearly 100 feet lower, a fast moving stream at the bottom of a narrow ravine. Sea . . . — — Map (db m17269) HM
The historic site was the seat of Virginia's colonial government for 75 years. Here in May, 1765, Patrick Henry denounced the Stamp Act and on May 15, 1776, a Virginia Convention unanimously proposed that the Continental Congress "declare the United . . . — — Map (db m60412) HM
John Smith was born about 1580 the son of a yeoman farmer of modest means. As a young man he traveled throughout Europe and fought as a soldier in the Netherlands and in Hungary. There he was captured, taken to Turkey and sold into slavery in . . . — — Map (db m11367) HM
During the 17th century Carter's Grove was part of the Martin's Hundred Plantation. In the early 1720's, Robert "King" Carter purchased it and later named the tract Carter's Grove. Between 1730 and 1735 Carter Burwell, grandson of Robert "King" . . . — — Map (db m9503) HM
Mrs. Blaikley lived here from 1736-1771. Her obituary called her An eminent midwife…Who … brought upwards of three thousand children into the world.” — — Map (db m227159) HM
Catherine Orr Lived here from 1743 to 1788. After the 1764 death of her husband, blacksmith Hugh Orr, she took in William & Mary students as lodgers. She also educated several enslaved children at the Bray School. — — Map (db m227044) HM
Acquired in 1769 by wigmaker Edward Charlton and his wife, Milliner Jane Hunter Charlton. Edward Charlton’s clients included Thomas Jefferson, George Wythe, Payton Randolph, and Patrick Henry. — — Map (db m227033) HM
Constructed as a store and residence in 1750, the building was converted into a coffeehouse and operated by Richard Charlton in the mid 1760s. In October 1765, the coffeehouse was the scene of resistance to the British Parliament's Stamp Act. — — Map (db m60299) HM
Planter and businessman John Chiswell owned the property until his death in 1766. By the mid-1770s, cabinetmaker Benjamin Bucktrout lived and operated his furniture retail business here. — — Map (db m227977) HM
Mrs. Campbell opened her well resorted tavern in 1771, offering “Genteel accommodations, and the very best entertainment.” George Washington frequently dined and lodged here in the 1770s. — — Map (db m227774) HM
Their Majesties King William & Queen Mary on February the eight, sixteen hundred and ninety-three, granted a charter establishing the College of William and Mary in Virginia “to the end that Church of Virginia may be furnished with a seminary . . . — — Map (db m66929) HM
Less than one mile to the east is the site of the Church on the Main, a brick Anglican church built by the 1750s to serve James City Parish as replacement for the church on Jamestown Island, which had become difficult for communicants to reach. The . . . — — Map (db m194711) HM
This 30 x60' brick church, marked by the remnants of a builder’s trench, was constructed in a simple rectangular plan with doors on the west and the south. Holes marking the location of scaffolding employed during construction flank the perimeter of . . . — — Map (db m99085) HM
The Church on the Main, which lies ahead, was built of brick in about 1750, along the main road connecting Jamestown and Williamsburg. It replaced the fifth church at Jamestown and was used by James City Parish, the community in this vicinity. . . . — — Map (db m99084) HM
This archaeological site consists of the remains of the church, the cemetery, and the surrounding fences. All that remains to indicate the location and size of the church below grade is a small remnant of the foundation builder's trench. The 30' x . . . — — Map (db m99086) HM
The Jamestown Church had..."a tower and a bell"
—Francis Louis Michel, 1702
For centuries, the Church Tower ruin stood as the most iconic symbol of Jamestown's past. The structure survived despite fires, abandonment, occupation during . . . — — Map (db m240211) HM
Clementina Rind, the first female printer in Virginia, had moved to Williamsburg by 1766. She likely worked alongside her husband, William Rind, who ran a print shop, published the Virginia Gazette, and printed official government documents . . . — — Map (db m270928) HM
This 18th-century farmhouse was moved here in 1947 from King & Queen County, Virginia. Originally called “Rosewood,” it is now named for its 20th owner, James Cogar, the first curator at Colonial Williamsburg. — — Map (db m227963) HM
The left wing of this house was built sometime after silversmith and tavern keeper John Coke acquired the land in 1755. Planter Richard Garrett purchased the property in 1810 and erected the brick office to the right soon thereafter. His son, Dr. . . . — — Map (db m308343) HM
On this site in September 1775 Colonel Patrick Henry established camp grounds for Virginia troops who were to rendezvous and train at Williamsburg. Several Virginia regiments left here in 1776 and 1777 to join General George Washington’s army in the . . . — — Map (db m18179) HM
On May 12, 1607 the colonists who were the next day to establish Jamestown, landed at the mouth of this creek. Captain Gabriel Archer, one of the councilors, liked the spot and would have settled here but was outvoted. For more than a century the . . . — — Map (db m30730) HM
A charter was granted by King William and Queen Mary in 1693, by fostering “good arts and sciences,” and by educating the youth in “good letters and manners,” the College has maintained its original mission as “a place . . . — — Map (db m18165) HM
The James River was a lifeline. Ships from England brought tools, seeds, cloth, food, more settlers – and hope. The colonists sent back timber, tobacco, pitch, potash, furs, iron ore – and stories. By 1650, wharves reached out to the . . . — — Map (db m17119) HM
In 1930, Congress established Colonial National Monument (designated Colonial National Historical Park in 1936) to preserve and interpret the beginning and end of the British colonial experience in North America. The park included Jamestown, the . . . — — Map (db m89336) HM
Early in the 17th century, colonists began settling beyond Jamestown Island. In 1619, for example, Reverend Richard Buck received a patent of land here at Neck of Land, between Mill and Powhatan creeks.
When Buck and his wife died, their . . . — — Map (db m31058) HM
After the Civil War, in the area that later became known as the Community of Grove, the Freedmen’s Bureau confiscated land for displaced newly freed slaves and free blacks. In 1867, the government restored the land to its previous owners. Some . . . — — Map (db m66911) HM
These earthworks were erected by Confederate troops in 1861 as part of the defense system to block Union penetration of the James River. — — Map (db m17052) HM
(front)
1861-1865
To the
Confederate Soldiers and
Sailors of Williamsburg
and James City County
(left)
Erected by the United Daughters
of the Confederacy and the
Citizens of Williamsburg and
James City . . . — — Map (db m185422) WM
John Curtis IV built a rental property here in 1717. His daughter-in-law, Martha Curtis, and her second husband George Washington, managed it from 1759 to 1778. — — Map (db m226951) HM
Tailor David Morton operated a tailor shop here beginning in 1776. In June of that year he advertised that “journeymen tailors will meet with good encouragement by applying to David Morton.” — — Map (db m227753) HM
When Virginia seceded on April 17, 1861, Union and Confederate leaders alike saw the Peninsula as an avenue of attack against Richmond. Federal ships on the James and York rivers could guard an army’s flanks and escort supply vessels upstream. Fort . . . — — Map (db m77989) HM
Dozens of open ditches crisscrossed Jamestown. A ditch and its mound could mark a property boundary, line the edge of a road, or drain swampy soil. Ditches also served as handy trash dumps. Two major ditches, several feet wide and hundreds of feet . . . — — Map (db m17316) HM
By 1624, William Peirce, a “beloved friend” of governor Francis Wyatt, built a house – “one of the fairest in Virginia” – on this lot. Peirce, captain of the governor’s guard and the colony’s cape merchant, also . . . — — Map (db m17356) HM
Physician Phillip Barraud owned this property from 1782 to 1801. He worked with Apothecary James Galt as visiting physicians at the public hospital until 1799. The Barraud House retains much of its original woodwork and is one of the best preserved . . . — — Map (db m228032) HM
Low-lying uplands and wetlands are capable of storing large quantities of stormwater. However, this valuable ecosystem service can cause flooding in nearby neighborhoods perched too close to poorly drained soils. Ditching areas for irrigation or . . . — — Map (db m295113) HM
Tailor Severinus Durfey operated a shop here in the 1770s. He made clothing and retailed a broad array of material, “West India and dry goods of most sorts.” — — Map (db m226930) HM
The first European settlers, who lived on the mainland behind Jamestown Island, built insubstantial frame houses that were extremely small and typically had dirt floors. As unseasoned wood deteriorated readily, such buildings had a very short life . . . — — Map (db m295106) HM
Archaeologists discovered a large domestic complex at Freedom Park that reveals important physical evidence about colonial Virginia's transformation. The site, which evolved between c.1680 and c.1745 shows how a society based upon . . . — — Map (db m295078) HM
Jamestown's fort palisade walls were build using materials and techniques like those used originally. The reconstruction follows the footprint of the original 1607 post holes identified during excavations without impacting the archaeological . . . — — Map (db m240210) HM
Eastern State Hospital is the oldest psychiatric hospital in the United States. It was established on 12 Oct. 1773, when Virginia was still a British colony, with the mission of treating and discharging the curable mentally ill. In 1841, under the . . . — — Map (db m58354) HM
This hospital is the oldest institution of its kind in America. Francis Fauquier was Governor in 1768. In November, 1769, the tenth year of the reign of George the Third an act was passed by the House of Burgesses confirming the establishment of . . . — — Map (db m66918) HM
This site represents the original location of the cemetery utilized by Eastern State Hospital from its establishment in 1773 until approximately the year 1826. Hospital records reveal a total of 48 individuals interred here, the names of whom are . . . — — Map (db m292738) HM
This labyrinth represents an opportunity for walking meditation that is one of the oldest contemplative and transformational tools known to mankind. For centuries, the labyrinth has been used to promote healing, connection, community and peace. . . . — — Map (db m239832) HM
John Burkett kept a tavern here “at the sign of Edinburgh Castle.” His daughter, later Christina Campbell, was also a well-known tavernkeeper. — — Map (db m227740) HM
The early English settlers came to Virginia looking for gold, silver, and precious gems, but never found them. Some of the artifacts they left behind, however, are highly valuable to the archaeologists who excavated Jamestown centuries later. . . . — — Map (db m17204) HM
The foundations of the multi-dwelling structure that stood here match the dimensions called for in legislation passed by the General Assembly in September 1662. This row rouse was standing by September 1668 when the justices of James City . . . — — Map (db m17320) HM
Milliner Elizabeth Carlos purchased this property in 1772 and ran a shop from her home. A 1777 account book notes that she sold a variety of goods, including gloves, hose, ribbons, thread, and textiles. — — Map (db m228231) HM
In 1777 Virginia Gazette printer William Hunter built this house at the back of the Gazette lot and deeded it to his mother, Elizabeth Reynolds. He also provided her a handsome annual income of £40. — — Map (db m227905) HM
Coach maker Elkanah Deane purchased the property in 1772. He advertised that he could build and repair all types of coaches and carriages, as well as "paint and gild them to the best manner”. — — Map (db m227058) HM
In the summer of 1781, thousands of troops crisscrossed the James City County countryside, foraging for food and strategically moving toward Yorktown. Although neither side knew the other’s strength, Lafayette saw an opportunity to attack. . . . — — Map (db m194749) HM
Presented by The English Inns of Court to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the founding of the Colony at Jamestown in 1607 April 2007 — — Map (db m17049) HM
Along this trail are approximately 40 drainage channels, seeps and ephemeral streams. Ephemeral streams are produced when excess rainwater cannot filter into the soil fast enough. These naturally occurring drainage channels allow water to pass . . . — — Map (db m295130) HM
Baker Peter Moyer owned this house until 1792. Scottish merchant Ebenezer Ewing and his heirs owned it from about 1795 until 1840. — — Map (db m228124) HM
This oak tree fell in 1996, exposing a tremendous root system. Most tree roots in Virginia grow within the topsoil horizon, 12-18" deep, and are easily windblown in saturated soils. Over time, these roots will decompose into a mound, adding to . . . — — Map (db m295120) HM
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