ear Readers, I spent some time in Colonial Williamsburg

D(CW) this past week, all in the name of research for another segment in my America 250 series.

It was an amazing visit! I am sure most readers of The Central Virginian have been to CW at some point – it’s relatively close by – but it’s worth a revisit. They have activities for everyone. And while there I chatted with many other visitors, some from quite far away, who visit annually or even multiple times a year. It really is a spectacular outdoor living museum for all ages.

Our dear friend Allan (may he rest in peace) spent several decades creating a miniature to-scale model of CW, and displayed it on a large platform in his garage. It was complete with streets, trees, and miniature people (similar to model train set-ups we’ve all experienced). As I walked down the Duke of Gloucester street that first morning, it felt like Allan’s buildings had come to life around me. Then a horse and carriage trotted by, and a livery-clad driver tipped his tricorne hat to me. Wow. I must admit, I had goosebumps! Had I been transported to the 1770’s? Sure felt like it!

I listened to several historical interpreters as they portrayed famous figures from CW’s past.

George Washington, Martha Washington, French General Lafayette, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry. The knowledge these interpreters possess about their characters is nothing short of amazing. Plus they need to be quick-thinking, to be able to respond to audience questions. I also learned about James Lafayette – an enslaved Revolutionary spy, as well as friend and namesake of General Lafayette.

A true hero. Then there was Jane Vobe. Her husband abandoned her and her children, and she ended up operating the very successful King’s Arms Tavern and supporting her family. All of these fine actors truly made learning about history both interesting and memorable.

Other actor-portrayals are not of famous people, but regular folk.

Townspeople, enslaved people, mothers whose sons joined the war effort.

They all speak eloquently and really bring their characters to life. I love the fact that CW is inclusive of so many different people. Hearing stories from many perspectives really allows the pieces of the puzzle to fit together and begin to truly gain a perspective of life in colonial America. It was such a tumultuous time in our history, and every single person played a part.

Of course all the interpreters were clothed in colonial garb, but interestingly a fair amount of visitors were as well. Personally, I’ll take a hard pass on 18th century clothing, but it was fun to see all the costumes, especially on children. I was aware that wool was the primary textile used to weave fabric back in the day, but I was unaware that sheep were such an important precursor to the Revolutionary War. Britain’s well-established wool industry began to be financially impacted by the growing colonies, so in 1699 the British Parliament passed the Wool Act. This was the first trade restriction placed on the colonies.

Under the Wool Act, colonies could not export wool, they could import ONLY British wool, and wool sales were taxed. Once this precedent had been established, many other restrictive “Acts” followed – the Sugar Act of 1764, the Tea Act of 1773, etc. And thus the humble sheep became a symbol of the colonies’ frustration with “Taxation without Representation”. I love learning new stuff!

There are many old, beautiful trees gracing the properties in CW.

But I must give special recognition to the Compton Oak. It is large and sprawling, and absolutely dwarfs nearby homes. Even though they too, are large. The Compton Oak is so remarkable that it even is marked on the village map – the only tree to be so designated. I also loved the many stately catalpa trees lining the Palace Green. Their shade in the summer must be a welcome respite from Virginia heat and humidity. There is a CW tree tour which I’d love to go on.

It wasn’t offered during my visit, so I’ll just have to go back!

I also enjoyed seeing farm animals and learning about them. Chicken, sheep, oxen, and horses. I was lucky enough to see several new lambs.

Sooo darling. And of course there were numerous trade re-enactments.

Blacksmiths, bakers, seamstresses, cabinet makers. These folks have tremendous skill and love sharing their knowledge. I hefted a musket and discovered firsthand how truly heavy it is. And I watched a demonstration on the military field where volunteers from the audience moved a cannon to a new location. Those guys found out just how much weight a cannon has.

Even though I spent a few days exploring CW, there was so much I didn’t get to do – I just flat ran out of time! That’s ok. Rick wants to accompany me next time, so we’ll just have to go back!

Laura lives with her husband and two cats in Zion Crossroads. She can be reached at hallielaura@gmail.com.