Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a Great Place for Families

Text by Valerie Mellema

The first successful colonial settlement was in Jamestown, Virginia. Today, not far from that spot is the wonderful tourist center of Williamsburg, Virginia. It is from Williamsburg that many visitors to the area begin a tour of what is commonly called the “Historic Triangle”.

Beginning with a visit to the Jamestown Settlement (near the actual location of the original site) children and adults alike will be able to get a better understanding of what life was like for the colonists. Trade relied heavily on water transportation, which is why the settlement is on the James River. At the site is the reconstructed colonial fort along with three replica ships. Today there is also a model Powhatan Indian Village, one that represents the kind that would have been occupied by the Native Americans of that era.

The Jamestown Settlement is a hands on experience, and children of all ages will be able to touch, taste, smell, see and hear everything the early settlers would have experienced.

Nearby to the settlement is the Yorktown Battlefield, the scene where the American Revolutionary War came to its end. It is quite significant that these sites should be so close to one another – one where Americans first settled, and one where they truly won their freedom.

Here too are reproduction farms and homesteads of the later 18th century era. The Yorktown Victory Center offers living history interpretations through costumed guides. They also display hundreds of artifacts at the Center and offer a documentary film free for viewing to all who visit. Within the center guests will enjoy the Witnesses to Revolution Gallery where the voices of the past, of people who actually lived through the Revolutionary period, are displayed for all to view and even hear. Interestingly, the Center presents a full picture of the era, offering not only statements from Americans but from Native American Indians, British soldiers and many other everyday people. Another interesting display depicts the typical medical equipment and methods of the area, and while incredibly fascinating, may not be suitable for those with a weak stomach!

After visiting the two centers the village of Historic Yorktown itself has much to offer, including unique shops and galleries, a riverfront landing with restaurants, historic ships and other educational and scenic opportunities that the whole family will enjoy.