Williamsburg

November 7, 2007

When the Rockefellers found Williamsburg in disrepair in 1930, they decided to buy it and return it to its original glory. The former capital of the colony and state of Virginia, this historical icon had evolved into a sleepy town of run down dwellings and shops. The homes were purchased, the official buildings rebuilt, and the area was turned into what I would call a “Disneyland of colonial history mixed with Shakespearean Ashland”. Part of it is history. Much of it is theater. Shop after shop display colonial artisans at work. These presentations are interrupted by political speeches and by redcoats taking over the village to be later pushed out by Washington. We all followed the fife and drums as they marched down the main street to gather at the city hall to hear Washington tell of his plans to catch Cornwallis in the final battle of the war in nearby Yorktown. The village now is bordered by hotels and the campus of William and Mary. There is a large upscale shopping area and a golf course nearby.

It is designed to be a destination resort. Barb and I tried to see it one day. Bad idea. Plan at least 3. It is well done, fun, enlightening and informative. Points of view of the British, the loyalists, the Patriots, and the slaves are readily shared in dramatic interludes. I enjoy and read history. I learned a lot. I would like to come back except next time I’ll bring my bike. I didn’t. Bad move.