Williamsburg - 2

The College of William and Mary - In 1693, the College of William and Mary was established by Royal Charter from King William III and Queen Mary II in Middle Plantation, and is current the second oldest “institution of higher learning “ in America. While contributing significantly to the popularity of Williamsburg, this College was also responsible for educating many of America's forefathers, including Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler, and 16 signers of the Declaration of independence. George Washington received his Surveyor's Certificate at William and Mary too. In 1779 the College became a University, and claims to be the first University in America.

The College of William and Mary has been in continuous operation since its beginning except for two occasions. It closed once during the American Civil War due to declining enrollment, and once between 1882 and 1886 due to financial hardships.

In 1976, a campaign debate was hosted between presidential candidates Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, and in 1983 a G7 (now called G8) summit conference was held on the campus.

Government Relocates to Middle Plantation - In 1676, during Bacon's Rebellion at Jamestown, the House of Burgess (capitol building) was burned and the Virginia government was temporarily located at Williamsburg. Later, after rebuilding the House of Burgess in Jamestown, another accidental fire again burned the building, and the Virginia Capitol was relocated – permanently this time- to Middle Plantation. The College of William and Mary provided temporary housing while a permanent government building was constructed, and the town was formally named Williamsburg during the relocation in 1699 to honor King William III.

American Revolutionary War – Many of the decisions that led to the American Revolutionary War against England were formulated in Williamsburg. In 1775, the Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore, fearing a rebellion, seized the gunpowder stored in the Williamsburg Armory. While threatening to destroy the city if attacked, Lord Dunmore and the citizens, led by Patrick Henry, arrived at a payment schedule for the gunpowder. Still, this incident was an important part of the circumstances that led to the Declaration of independence from Britain, and ultimately war.