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Williamsburg, VA
Best Historic Sites (Attractions)
(10 Overall Closest) |
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Belle Air Plantation |
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(Attractions - Historic Sites) |
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11800 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Charles City 23030 • 804-358-4638 |
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Description:
CHARLES CITY COUNTY. Although the house is open by appointment only to groups of 20 or more, it is worth calling to see if you can tag along with a tour. The large frame house, built in 1650, is a study in how life was lived in that time, and the architecture is outstanding and unique. The gardens are exquisite and are also open for tours by appointment. During Historic Garden week, held each year at the end of April, both the gardens and the house are open to the public. |
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Bruton Parish Episcopal Church |
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(Attractions - Historic Sites) |
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331 W Duke Of Gloucester St, Williamsburg 23185 • 757-229-2891 |
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Description:
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG. One of the oldest Episcopal churches in the United States, Bruton has been serving members since 1715. Famous past worshipers include presidents Washington, Tyler, Monroe and Jefferson. The churchyard has many interesting 18th-century tombstones, so be sure and include it on your tour. The church is popular with travelers for its tours and holiday services. The parish also runs a wonderful gift shop, also located on Duke of Gloucester Street, and all proceeds go to charity. |
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Capitol |
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(Attractions - Historic Sites) |
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Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg • 757-220-7286 |
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Description:
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG. Twin curved turrets and a majestic white cupola are the structural elements that characterize the Capitol building dominating the end of Duke of Gloucester Street. But the momentous events that occurred on this site make up an even bigger part of its personality. The first structure to be named Capitol in America, the burgesses met here for the first time in 1753 and Patrick Henry delivered his impassioned speech against the Stamp Act in 1765. When the center of Virginia government was moved, the building was used for admiralty court, a law school, a military hospital, a grammar school, and a female academy. The building you see today is a faithful representation of the original, and if you listen closely, you just might here the whispers of history. |
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Carter's Grove Plantation |
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(Attractions - Historic Sites) |
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US Rte 60 7 miles southeast of Williamsburg, Williamsburg 23185 • 757-220-7453 |
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Description:
[This place is closed no date set for opening back up]. This site is an all-encompassing excursion. From the reception center to the mansion to the grounds, then on to a 1619 town and an archeology museum, a day can be spent here very easily. The house and gardens offer a glimpse into life in the 18th century, including reconstructed slave quarters. The reception center has marvelous exhibits with information about plantation life and the tobacco industry that fueled the growth of Virginia. Off Route 60 from Williamsburg, this plantation is an easy drive – or take the bus from downtown. |
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Colonial Williamsburg |
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(Attractions - Historic Sites) |
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Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg 23185 • 800-447-8679 |
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Description:
The best place to start with this outdoor museum is at the visitor center. A film and an orientation walk are informative and will save you time. There is so much to see here – buildings, gardens, taverns, trade shops and demonstrations – that it is virtually impossible to see it all in a day or even two. The mini-city is laid out well (think of an 18th-century Disney World), and walking the area is a pleasure. Evening events are held during the summer, so be sure and check those out. Extended summer hours. |
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User Rating: 9.5 / 10
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Edgewood Plantation |
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(Attractions - Historic Sites) |
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4800 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Charles City 23030 • 800-296-3343 |
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Description:
CHARLES CITY COUNTY. Originally part of Berkeley Plantation and complete with its own broken-hearted ghost, Edgewood is a 7,000-square-foot Gothic Revival house that is now operated as a bed and breakfast. But tours can be arranged – the Victorian Tea Tour and the Candlelight Tour are two of the most popular. They require at least 10 people, so call ahead. This is a popular stop during the Christmas season as more than 15 Victorian Christmas trees decorate the house. |
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Hickory Neck Episcopal Church |
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(Attractions - Historic Sites) |
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8300 Richmond Rd, Toano 23168 • 757-566-0276 |
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Description:
There is no formal tour of this circa 1740 church, but it is always open and anyone is welcome to attend services. The church was used in the Revolutionary War to house militiamen. It fell into disuse but was re-consecrated in 1917 and is an active church today. From its site you can envision what the territory looked like prior to the building of roads and shops. |
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Jamestown Settlement |
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(Attractions - Historic Sites) |
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Route 31 S, Williamsburg • 757-253-4838 |
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Description:
View replicas of the three ships and a fort occupied by the first settlers to arrive at Jamestowne in 1610. Historians, dressed in authentic period clothing, walk the grounds and are happy to answer your questions about life at the settlement. Visit the indoor gallery to see 30-minute documentary film and exhibits that document the lives of the English settlers, Powhatan Indians and African slaves who occupied the colony. |
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User Rating: 9.5 / 10
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North Bend Plantation |
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(Attractions - Historic Sites) |
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12200 Weyanoke Rd, Charles City 23030 • 804-829-5176 |
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Description:
CHARLES CITY COUNTY. One of the best-preserved examples of Greek Revival houses in the area, this plantation originated as home to President William Henry Harrison's sister. Currently owned by the great, great grandson of the Ruffin family (owners of Evelynton Plantation), it is run as a bed and breakfast. But day and evening tours are available by appointment. You do not need an appointment for the grounds tour – it is on the honor system and costs $2. |
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Piney Grove at Southall's Plantation |
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(Attractions - Historic Sites) |
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16920 Southall Plantation Ln, Charles City 23030 • 804-829-2196 |
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Description:
CHARLES CITY. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Charles City landmark was a 300-plus-acre Tidewater plantation owned by the Southall family on land once occupied by the Chickahominy people. In fact, Piney Grove stands as one of the best remaining examples of Early Virginia log architecture. Today, visitors to the plantation will find Duck Church (built in 1917) and three historic homes: Ashland (1835); Dower Quarter (1835); and Ladysmith (1857). Open to the public are the plantation's lovely grounds, which include gardens and nature trails. Those wishing to stay overnight may book a room in the Ladysmith House, which operates as a bed and breakfast. |
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