Williamsburg - 3

During the Revolutionary War, in 1780, the capital of Virginia was moved to Richmond because Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson believed that Williamsburg was less secure and more vulnerable to attack. While Williamsburg suffered in terms of loss of business due to government activities, it did continue because of the College of William and Mary.

Williamsburg Revived – As time went on, Williamsburg settled into the role as a sleepy college town, and not much activity occurred compared to its early beginnings as a dynamic, fast moving revolutionary capitol city. Early in the twentieth century, the local Episcopalian Church in Williamsburg was in danger of falling into disrepair. Fearing the loss of a significant historical structure, the Rev Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin set out to restore this building. Having succeeded by 1907, he accepted a transfer to New York. Upon returning in 1923, he was alarmed to discover that most of the rest of the original Williamsburg was also falling down.

Dr. Goodwin sought financial assistance, and found it with John D. Rockefeller Jr and his wife, Abby. Together, they formed an organization that restored much of the original Williamsburg, and created the largest living museum in America. Today, the original Williamsburg is known as Colonial Williamsburg and is the largest teaching and entertaining tourist attraction in Virginia. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has done a remarkable job preserving this important historical location. While Dr. Goodwin had the original idea of preserving this part our American heritage, and Mr. Rockefeller provided much of the financial support and a significant portion of the original management of the project, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has been able to keep up with the changing times, bringing our history to all who will listen. They have continued to preserve and expand Colonial Williamsburg including many interpretive and outreach programs for visitors and schools.