Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, an 18^th century living history museum. I loved looking at the historic buildings, people dressed in period costumes and horses clomping down the street.

Here are some of the places I especially enjoyed visiting:

Printing Office

The printing office (http://www.history.org/almanack/life/trades/tradepri.cfm) was one of my first visits. The printer gave us a wonderful demonstration of the ways newspapers were created many years ago. Did you know that the letter W came from UU? The painstaking typesetting process was tedious and expensive.  Paper was costly during the 18^th century, so the rich citizens were often the ones who wrote articles to be published in the papers.  

The Apothecary

I really enjoyed visiting the Pasteur & Galt Apothecary Shop (http://www.history.org/Almanack/life/trades/tradeapo.cfm). There I learned about the medicine our ancestors took for their ailments and the types of medical equipment that was used for broken bones. There was also a discussion of dental practices. To learn about Thomas Jefferson’s toothbrush see http://www.history.org/history/teaching/enewsletter/may03/iotm.cfm. I’m really glad I didn’t live in the 18^th century.

The Cooper

Have you ever wondered how barrels are made? If so, stop by the cooper's barn (http://www.history.org/almanack/life/trades/tradecoo.cfm).  I asked the cooper (he was a real cooper) how they ensured that the barrels did not leak—did they seal them?  He said that a good cooper will know how to cut the wood just right so that it does not leak. He also said that coopers were usually employed by others and not usually self-employed.  

The Wig Shop

I found the visit to the wigmaker (http://www.history.org/almanack/life/trades/tradewig.cfm) especially interesting. Did you know that to fit a wig properly, you have to have your head shaved bald? Wealthy persons in the 18^th century often wore wigs.  A wig was very costly, as much as an average person’s yearly salary.  Did you know that the term “blockhead” comes from the wooden form used to make wigs? See Puttin’ on the Dog (http://www.history.org/Foundation/journal/Summer02/puttin_on_the_dog.cfm).

Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

If you go to Williamsburg, be sure to visit the exquisite Bruton Parish Episcopal Church (http://www.history.org/almanack/places/hb/hbbruch.cfm).

Inside, you will be delighted by the beauty and history. Men who attended this church included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry.  Note George Washington’s name on the pew in the photograph below:

Public Gaol (Jail)

After a visit to the Public Gaol (http://www.history.org/almanack/places/hb/hbgaol.cfm), you will wonder why people ever disobeyed the law. I learned that people who were found to have committed theft would have the letter “T” branded onto their hand.  And that was one of the lesser punishments.

The Capitol (http://www.history.org/almanack/places/hb/hbcap.cfm). This is a good stop if you want to learn about the government in colonial Virginia. 

The brick makers (http://www.history.org/almanack/life/trades/tradebri.cfm. I had no idea how bricks were made until I stopped here.

Chowning’s Tavern

I love the relaxed atmosphere of taverns. Chowning's (http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/restaurants/historic-dining-taverns/chownings) is one of a number of taverns in Colonial Williamsburg.  I had lunch to the tunes of a mandolin.

The Magazine

The Magazine is a a brick house that was built to store weapons (http://www.history.org/almanack/places/hb/hbmag.cfm). I have never seen so much ammunition.

Williamsburg is a top-notch vacation spot for adults and children. The grounds are clean with beautiful gardens and architecture. The employees are well-educated and professional.  Summer is almost here, so put Williamsburg on your list of places to see.