Williamsburg Historic District

Williamsburg Historic District preserves the core of Virginia's colonial capital, which served in that role from 1699 until 1779, when government moved to Richmond. Restoration began in 1927 under John D. Rockefeller, Jr. About 600 buildings were removed, roughly 100 were restored and about 350 were reconstructed on their original sites. Restored buildings include the Public Magazine, Ludwell-Paradise House, Old Courthouse, Bruton Parish Church and George Wythe House. Reconstructions include the Capitol, Raleigh Tavern and Governor's Palace. Old College Yard anchors the western end of Duke of Gloucester Street. The district covers about 173 acres, following the 1966 Historic Area boundary. In the 18th century, Patrick Henry delivered his Stamp Act speeches here, George Mason wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights, and the Virginia Constitution of 1776 was drawn up. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and George Wythe also studied, taught or served in office here. The restoration remains a benchmark for historical research.