A visit to Colonial Williamsburg is a terrific opportunity to slip into another century. Walking among tradesmen, aristocrats, slaves and merchants along dusty streets lined with immaculately reconstructed buildings was as close as I’ll get to experiencing life in pre-Revolutionary War America. Shut your eyes, take a deep breath and you’re in 1770s America - there were no “United States” then.
Women are clothed in long dresses and caps; many men sport knee breeches, powdered wigs and three-cornered hats. If you stop and engage them in conversation, chances are they will respond in character. Initiate a debate. Are they pro-revolution, or do they side with the King? What is their occupation? Where do they live? Be curious; you’ll likely find out a lot about our country’s history.

The next logical question is, “How did this remarkable time machine come into existence?” Well, after the state capital was moved to Richmond in 1780, Williamsburg reverted to a quiet college town. The College of William and Mary, the nation’s second oldest university, was chartered here in 1693. Almost 150 years later, the streets and buildings where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other patriots forged the idea of a new nation had fallen into disrepair, been demolished or were so embellished over the years they no longer resembled their original design. A school had been built over the foundations of the Governor’s Palace; utility poles and overhead wires lined Duke of Gloucester Street, which had been paved in concrete; four columns now graced the front of the Courthouse of 1770.

The Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin, rector of Williamsburg’s Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, had successfully raised funds and restored the parish church. His dream and grand plan, though, was to completely restore the Colonial capital, to rescue it before it became completely overtaken by the 20th century. After being turned down by Henry Ford, Rev. Goodwin approached John D. Rockefeller Jr., who he had met while giving a speech in New York City, and convinced him of the need to save this important part of American history. In 1926 the philanthropist agreed to fund the restoration of the Colonial city.

In combination with architects, archeologists and historians the monumental task began. Rockefeller’s generosity financed the extensive preservation and reconstruction work, and Goodwin’s dream became a reality. On visiting Williamsburg in 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Duke of Gloucester Street the nation’s “most historic avenue.”

The result is what you see today—an amazing step back in time to the early days of our nation. Colonial Williamsburg is a living, working city where 18th-century trades are practiced on a daily basis; you can walk into the shops of milliners, coopers, silversmiths, wheelwrights, printers, blacksmiths and wigmakers and watch them creating their wares, using tools of the times. Fife and drum parades march down the town’s main street. Brunswick stew, country ham and tankards of ale are served in rustic taverns.

So, use your imagination, silently thank Rev. Goodwin and Mr. Rockefeller and settle into another century. You’ll be in for a revolutionary good time. (Next - Dining Like A Patriot)   Note: Tickets for the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area are available at a discounted price from some AAA clubs and from the local office of AAA at 2630 McLaws Circle, phone (757) 564-7711, in Williamsburg. Call for current ticket options and pricing.