Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour
Description
Come on our historical tour presented by Junket! Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum. We'll examine Williamsburg in its early colonial guise. You'll experience what it was like to reside in the colonial capital during a time when ruthless businesspeople, ruthless politicians, enslaved Africans, and possibly a few pirates walked these streets. Investigate the homes, business, places of government, and houses of worship that were integral to society in Colonial Williamsburg. Rewind to a period when the cries of emancipation reverberated through the halls of power and the murmurs of American independence hung thick in the air.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Formerly known as Boundary Street, this historic avenue served as the border between English colonists and Native Americans.
"Idiots, lunatics, and those of insane mind" were to be housed in this institution, according to its founding documents. Although conditions were frequently not much better than those in jails, several doctors tried to make things better for their patients. After the Civil War, the situation worsened once again, and in the 1890s, the original structure burned down.
The church was established in 1682, and the current structure was built in 1715. At various times during their lifetimes, five presidents frequented this church. Martha Washington's first husband and two of their children are interred in the church's cemetery.
Professor of law, politician, judge, and signer of the Declaration of Independence: George Wythe was an accomplished man. John Marshall (Supreme Court Justice) and Thomas Jefferson were among his pupils. Examine the controversy surrounding his passing.
The city's fire engine previously resided in this center of activity in Williamsburg. Residents were concerned about traffic after vehicles were introduced, but W.A.R. Goodwin, the head of the Williamsburg restoration effort, came up with a brilliant solution.
When this courthouse was erected in 1770, it had distinctive design elements. The whipping post and stockyards just outside are evidence that justice was swiftly delivered in Williamsburg.
This tavern, which was first constructed in 1717, was a popular among politicians and college students. Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and others founded the Committees of Correspondence in this location, which served as the primary vehicle for political coordination and preparation among the colonies prior to the start of the Revolutionary War.
Since many significant records had been destroyed in a fire at the Capitol, this building was built in 1748 as a location to store critical papers. At the moment, the Secretary's Office is the oldest archival structure in the Western Hemisphere.
The construction of this old mansion was exceptional, and it featured a cutting-edge water drainage system to catch rainfall. The history of this house includes a fascinating chapter about a group of African slaves.
The structure you'll see was a replica completed in 1934, but Thomas Jefferson, who previously lived there while serving as governor of Virginia after the Revolutionary War, had the original ideas for its construction.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(98)
Patrick gave a wonderful tour of the historic area providing all sorts of behind the scenes stories and history. His knowledge really added to the tour and was a great way to experience the area. Highly recommend and will definitely look to do this one again.
Patrick was an absolute fountain of information and made learning the history of Jamestown and Williamsburg a fun learning experience. Highly recommend doing this.
Patrick did a fantastic job pulling us into the history of the area. He explained some earlier history that helped set the stage for colonial Williamsburg, and as he led us through the area he gave us some more history, legends and stories that helped bring the history to life. It was a great way to spend a couple of hours. I highly recommend it!
Patrick was a really good storyteller and went into a lot of details about the early settlement into the early years of the revolution! He has some great stories about the early years of Williamsburg and the historical figures show shaped it. I would highly recommend this tour.
This tour was great, even though it was very hot outside. Patrick explains things very well and we were very interested in what he had to say. The extra little ghost stories he knows about colonial Williamsburg were super cool to hear about. I would definitely do this tour, or a similar tour again.
Vince was very knowledgeable and personable. It was 95° and he was a champ. Loved all the stories and anecdotes about colonial Williamsburg that he shared would highly recommend the trip and love to do it again.
We learned a lot of historical facts and heard many interesting stories about Colonial Williamsburg. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly and he made the whole tour fun and enjoyable.
Patrick was very knowledgeable. We enjoyed hearing about the history of the area. Very informative tour.
William was extremely knowledgeable, fun, quirky, and entertained us the full 2 hours with a 10 & 16 year old. Managed to keep the whole famiky engaged. Highly suggest it.
Great morning with Vince walking round Williamsburg. Interesting stories and bad jokes! Great start to our trip.
