Secrets of Colonial Williamsburg Hidden History Walking Tour

Come on our historical tour presented by Junket! Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum. We'll examine Williamsburg in its early colonial guise. You'll experience what it was like to reside in the colonial capital during a time when ruthless businesspeople, ruthless politicians, enslaved Africans, and possibly a few pirates walked these streets. Investigate the homes, business, places of government, and houses of worship that were integral to society in Colonial Williamsburg. Rewind to a period when the cries of emancipation reverberated through the halls of power and the murmurs of American independence hung thick in the air.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   Pass by

   Formerly known as Boundary Street, this historic avenue served as the border between English colonists and Native Americans.

2. 2

   Public Hospital Museum

   Pass by

   "Idiots, lunatics, and those of insane mind" were to be housed in this institution, according to its founding documents. Although conditions were frequently not much better than those in jails, several doctors tried to make things better for their patients. After the Civil War, the situation worsened once again, and in the 1890s, the original structure burned down.

3. 3

   Bruton Parish Episcopal Church

   Pass by

   The church was established in 1682, and the current structure was built in 1715. At various times during their lifetimes, five presidents frequented this church. Martha Washington's first husband and two of their children are interred in the church's cemetery.

4. 4

   George Wythe House

   Pass by

   Professor of law, politician, judge, and signer of the Declaration of Independence: George Wythe was an accomplished man. John Marshall (Supreme Court Justice) and Thomas Jefferson were among his pupils. Examine the controversy surrounding his passing.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   Pass by

   The city's fire engine previously resided in this center of activity in Williamsburg. Residents were concerned about traffic after vehicles were introduced, but W.A.R. Goodwin, the head of the Williamsburg restoration effort, came up with a brilliant solution.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   When this courthouse was erected in 1770, it had distinctive design elements. The whipping post and stockyards just outside are evidence that justice was swiftly delivered in Williamsburg.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   This tavern, which was first constructed in 1717, was a popular among politicians and college students. Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and others founded the Committees of Correspondence in this location, which served as the primary vehicle for political coordination and preparation among the colonies prior to the start of the Revolutionary War.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   Since many significant records had been destroyed in a fire at the Capitol, this building was built in 1748 as a location to store critical papers. At the moment, the Secretary's Office is the oldest archival structure in the Western Hemisphere.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   The construction of this old mansion was exceptional, and it featured a cutting-edge water drainage system to catch rainfall. The history of this house includes a fascinating chapter about a group of African slaves.

10. 10

    Governor's Palace

    Pass by

    The structure you'll see was a replica completed in 1934, but Thomas Jefferson, who previously lived there while serving as governor of Virginia after the Revolutionary War, had the original ideas for its construction.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.