Capitol Building, Williamsburg
The Capitol Building holds a significant place in American history as the seat of government for the Colony of Virginia from 1705 to 1780. It housed both Houses of the Virginia General Assembly, the Council of State, and the House of Burgesses during this period. The decision to relocate the capital from Jamestown to Williamsburg in 1705 marked a pivotal moment in Virginia's political landscape.
Over the years, the Capitol Building underwent two major constructions on the same site. The first capitol building served from 1705 until its unfortunate destruction by fire in 1747. Subsequently, a second capitol building was erected in 1753 and continued to serve as the political hub of Virginia until 1780 when the capital was relocated to Richmond. These structures played a crucial role in shaping colonial governance and legislative affairs, hosting pivotal debates and decisions that influenced the trajectory of Virginia and the American colonies.
Despite the destruction of the original capitol buildings, the legacy of the Capitol in Williamsburg endured through meticulous reconstruction efforts in the early 1930s. As part of the comprehensive restoration of Colonial Williamsburg, the Capitol Building was reconstructed to its former glory, ensuring that its historical significance would be preserved for generations to come.
Over the years, the Capitol Building underwent two major constructions on the same site. The first capitol building served from 1705 until its unfortunate destruction by fire in 1747. Subsequently, a second capitol building was erected in 1753 and continued to serve as the political hub of Virginia until 1780 when the capital was relocated to Richmond. These structures played a crucial role in shaping colonial governance and legislative affairs, hosting pivotal debates and decisions that influenced the trajectory of Virginia and the American colonies.
Despite the destruction of the original capitol buildings, the legacy of the Capitol in Williamsburg endured through meticulous reconstruction efforts in the early 1930s. As part of the comprehensive restoration of Colonial Williamsburg, the Capitol Building was reconstructed to its former glory, ensuring that its historical significance would be preserved for generations to come.
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Capitol Building on Map
Sight Name: Capitol Building
Sight Location: Williamsburg, USA (See walking tours in Williamsburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Williamsburg, USA (See walking tours in Williamsburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Williamsburg, Virginia
Create Your Own Walk in Williamsburg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Williamsburg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Williamsburg Introduction Walking Tour
Williamsburg, an independent city in Virginia, was founded by English settlers in 1632 鈥� originally as a fortified settlement called Middle Plantation, on the high ground between the James and York rivers.
The local College of William & Mary, established in 1693, is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Its alumni include three US presidents as well as... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
The local College of William & Mary, established in 1693, is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Its alumni include three US presidents as well as... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles