Williamsburg
Williamsburg was originally settled as Middle Plantation in 1632, but it was renamed in 1699, when it became the capital of Virginia. It had been the temporary capital since 1676, after the burning of Jamestown during Bacon's Rebellion. Williamsburg remained the scene of important conventions during the movement for American independence, but it declined after the capital was moved to Richmond in 1779.
During the American Civil War, between April and June 1862, the unsuccessful Union attempt to capture Richmond by way of the peninsula between the York and James rivers, known as the Peninsular Campaign, was undertaken. A rearguard action was fought at Williamsburg on 5 May 1862 between retreating Confederates and McClellan's forces. In 1926, with the financial support of industrialist John D. Rockefeller, Jr., a large-scale restoration of the city was begun. A total of 700 buildings were removed, 83 were renovated and 413 were rebuilt on their original sites.
Despite of that, Williamsburg retains its colonial appearance. There are many green formal gardens and craft shops where revived trades are practiced. Some of the most interesting historic buildings include the reconstructed colonial capitol and Raleigh Tavern, which was also reconstructed. Other interesting sights are Rendezvous of Revolutionary patriots, the 1770 courthouse, the Bruton Parish Church, which was built between 1710 and 1715, the reconstructed governor's palace, the public gaol and the magazine. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller museum features a noted folk art collection.
Williamsburg is a popular tourist attraction and it has been the seat of the College of William and Mary in Virginia since 1693. Eastern State Hospital dates from 1773 and contributes to the city's economy. The Colonial Parkway passes through Williamsburg and connects it with the Jamestown and Yorktown sections of Colonial National Historical Park.
There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Williamsburg. The city is in the southeast of Virginia, on a peninsula between the James and York rivers. It is 72 km southeast of Richmond and 185 km south of Washington D.C.
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