Williamsburg / Great Hopes Plantation

Colonial Williamsburg 
Teacher's Institute / Summer 2009
Series Part #7

 Plantation Master Pitches In

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Great Hopes Plantation is a nice example of a small southern tobacco farm in the tidal region of coastal Virginia.  It was originally located in York County, Virginia during the 18th century and has now been recreated next to Colonial Williamsburg.  It is within walking distance and is an extension of the historic town's educational exhibits.  The property represents a farm of middling wealth that would have been worked by a labor force of three to five slaves or indentured servants. The buildings were simple, sturdy structures designed for practical purposes, rather than architectural design. Unlike wealthy plantations, the difference between the family home and the slave cabin were minuscule.  A plantation this size provided a way to make a simple living and raise a family.

 Modest Plantation Farmhouse

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We often think of estates like Mount Vernon when picturing what a southern plantation looked like during the colonial time period.  However, Great Hopes Plantation is more in line with what was most prevalent in southern agriculture prior to the Civil War.  Less than one percent of southern white men owned more than fifty slaves and the aristocratic gentry, like George Washington who owned more than one hundred, made up less than one quarter of one percent of the population. The majority (80%) of the white population in the south didn't own any slaves and worked their subsistence family farms with their own hands much like their northern counterparts.

Field Hand Slave Labor

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Slaves were more valuable than the land they worked, often accounting for 75 to 90 percent of a landowners worth.  Considered property and used as collateral to acquire business loans, slave labor was reserved for the wealthy who ran large corporate farming operations.  Most people could never afford the $500 to $1,500 market price for a single slave.  The majority of farming families created their own work force by having large families. Others supplemented their labor needs by buying the contracts of indentured servants who worked off the cost of their passage to the New World.  Indentured servants were cheaper to purchase but were temporary help, typically working for a period of two to seven years depending on their age and the details of the contents of their contract.

 Slave Cabin Exterior

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Slave cabins were typically one-room structures with a loft in the attic, which was usually reserved for the older children.  The interior was practical and with log walls void of decoration, a few simple pieces of hand made furniture, and a hard packed dirt floor. The cabin housed an entire extended family or more, depending on living arrangements. People's entire lives were framed within the simple walls as birth, life, and death occurred with the passing of time.  Slaves were often given food rations once a week and a set of clothing once a year.  Many slave families had their own gardens near the cabin to supplement their diet and could sell any surplus vegetables at market.

 Slave Cabin Sleeping Quarters

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The hearth provided a place to prepare food and heated the home during winter months.  Fieldwork was often carried out by women and children while men were often trained in a specific skill that would increase a slave's value.  Some slaves became craftsman performing multiple trades including carpenters, black smiths, coopers, and wheelwrights.  Often they were hired out to other farms in need of skilled labor.  As a slave increased his value, he could also increase his quality of life.  Often skilled slave craftsmen could keep and sell the products they produced for profit on a specified day, if their predetermined quotas were met beforehand.

 Slave Cabin Hearth

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The slave coopers at Mount Vernon were required to make one barrel a day and if that quota was met, they could keep and sell any made on Sundays.  It was said a slave who struggled to make a single barrel a day during the week could sometimes find the energy to make three on Sunday.  Call it divine inspiration but this outcome revealed the reality of the slow pace of slave labor, as it was devoid of any personal incentives to work hard.  George Washington bought all the barrels made by his slave coopers on Sundays. Washington became a slave owner at age 11 when his father died and he inherited 500 acres and 10 slaves in 1743 and acquired more throughout his life. By the time he died in 1799, he owned a total of 316 slaves. 

 Plantation Mistress

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It is worthwhile to visit a large grand estate like Mount Vernon and then tour a place like Great Hopes Plantation to compare and contrast the two properties.  Southern plantations have been highly romanticized in print and film over the years.  Visiting actual settings gives a more accurate interpretation of the historical reality of the past.

 The Gentleman Farmer

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Note: George Washington's attitude toward slavery changed during the American Revolution when principles of liberty were being fought to be preserved.  He was not publicly outspoken on the issue but did lead by example by freeing all of his slaves in his will following the death of his wife Martha. (Picture Credit: The Farmer / Lithograph / The Granger Collection)

Please See All My Photo Albums of Williamsburg at...

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrjmartin/collections/72157623145751511/

PLEASE SEE RELATED BLOGS…

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 1

Teacher's Institute Introduction 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/10/williamsburg-introduction.html

 Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 2
Jamestown Matters – Archeological Dig 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/09/jamestown-matters-part-1.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 3

Jamestown Matters – Jamestown Settlement 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/09/jamestown-matters-part-2.html

 Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 4
Williamsburg / Duke of Gloucester Street 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-duke-of-gloucester.html

 Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 5
Williamsburg / Capitol and Gaol 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-captitol-gaol.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 6
Williamsburg / Governor’s Palace 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-governors-palace.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 7
Williamsburg / Great Hopes Plantation 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-great-hopes-plantation.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 8
Williamsburg / Market Square 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/12/williamsburg-market-square.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 9
Yorktown / Surrender Field 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/12/yorktown-surrender-field.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 10
Parting Shots / Photography 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/12/williamsburg-parting-shots.html

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Williamsburg / Governor's Palace

Colonial Williamsburg

Teacher's Institute / Summer 2009
Series Part # 6

The Governor's Palace
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Welcome to wealth! The Governor's Palace was the symbol of the king's authority in Virginia and the estate was designed to give just that very impression to every visitor who entered the front gate. The grand mansion and sprawling grounds were modeled after the estates of the old aristocracy of England. As the grounds expanded to meet that expectation, the taxpayers of Virginia footed the bill. Governors were assigned by the king and were very much foreigners in the Land of Opportunity where funds were not typically squandered on frivolous facades and symbols of power. At least two governors would feel the heat for excessive spending on the estate, especially when an expensive canal was constructed for... well, who knows what?

Display of Power

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The impression one gets upon entering the main palace is the fact that you are not in charge! The entry parlor is an ornate display of colonial weaponry that was stored in the palace to supplement the military stores of the magazine about a quarter of a mile from the front door. The intent of the display was to symbolize the king's authority over his loyal subjects and it is a quite effective tactic. You can't help but feel intimidated by the powerful decor that surrounds you and even follows you up stairs to the second floor. Scores of muskets, and swords line the hallways as if you are being guarded by an invisible sentry with every step. I couldn't even think about the Declaration of Independence!

The King's Arms

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The Governor's Palace and Capitol Building were both physical symbols of King George III and certainly commanded an intimidating presence in the capital city. One of the positive effects of moving Virginia's capital further west to the new location of Richmond during the American Revolution, was the fact that the physical symbols of the king's authority would be left behind in Willaimsburg. The colony and future state could get a fresh start, leaving their political ties to England in the shadows down river. Thomas Jefferson was the last governor to stay at the mansion during the war and was one of the strongest voices suggesting a relocation to Richmond. The new leadership of the American Nation did not want hand me down structures that would be constant reminders of the British Monarchy. The new governor's mansion was a lot more modest and was a much better fit with the American ideal of fiscal responsibility and public service.

Grand Garden Estate
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Twice the governor's mansion served as a hospital during the American Revolution and was very active following the Battle of Yorktown. One of the large square gardens behind the palace was set aside as a military cemetery for those patients who did not survive attempted treatment. The space contains the unmarked graves of 156 soldiers and 2 women who died within the converted palace hospital walls. Today the somber space is framed by a low continuous hedge and is filled by a simple lawn of bright green grass. (not pictured) It lies in stark contrast to the ornate colorful flower gardens nearby. A reminder that certain spaces are best left simple and plain so passersby can focus on the meaning of what the area truly represents.

The Palace by the Numbers...
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+ Home to 7 governors, including Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson

+ The property was located on 63 acres on the edge of town

+ Over 25 servants and slaves worked at the palace daily

+ The main palace had three floors, each with 3,380 square feet

+ The palace took 16 years to build and was finished in 1722

+ Weapons of Display / 230 muskets / 292 swords / 18 pistols

+ 80 of the muskets on display are original British Brown Besses 
 
+ The palace was destroyed by fire within three hours in 1781

+ The grounds of the lost palace stood vacant for over 50 years

+ It took 4 years to research and rebuild the palace in the early 1930's

Death by Fire
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When the capital was relocated to Richmond the palace fell into disrepair from neglect. On the evening of December 22, 1781 a fire broke out in the basement and quickly spread through the vacant palace. The entire structure was soon engulfed by flames and the intense heat caused the building to collapse within three hours. The remains of the Governor's Palace, shortly after the fire, are seen in the picture above. The newspapers suggest that the cause of the fire was arson but the crime was never solved. The remaining bricks were disassembled and sold as building materials and the remains of the once great structure were soon absent from view. The palace was later rebuilt on the original foundation and reopened to the public in 1934.

The Hedge Maze
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We had time to explore the town on our own for about two hours and I headed back to the palace to take in more of the grounds behind the mansion. There were pathways that twisted every which way inviting you to explore. At the far end, I stumbled onto a surprise maze of hedges. At the back end you could scale some steep steps to a small rise that served as a perch to view the maze pathways. (See picture above) Many of the garden pathways were white and from a distance, looked like small white stones. However, upon closer inspection, they turned out to be crushed clam shells, which were commonly used for this purpose throughout town. Another example of practical colonial recycling from the fisheries found along the coast.

Lady Dunmore

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Lady Dunmore gave us a tour of the house and grounds. She was the wife of John Murray, the fourth Earl of Dunmore who served as governor of the colony until the outbreak of the revolution. Despite the growing political tensions with the crown, Dunmore was a popular governor and well liked by the people of Virginia. Lord Dunmore brought a family atmosphere to the palace with six children filling the rooms of the royal residence. A daughter was soon born in the palace and was named Virginia in honor of the colony. An action that certainly helped the family make a positive impression on their new American neighbors in Williamsburg.

Wine Storage Cellar

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The cellar of the palace was interesting to explore as one cavern after another stored wines and other supplies used by the governor while entertaining guests. There were 11 wine bins to store the imported port. It was not uncommon for the governor have over 50 guests for dinner several nights in a row. On one occasion, Governor Spottswood entertained over 200 people one evening at the palace. Might have been a lot easier and cheaper to just order out for pizza... if you had coupons!  This is what happens at my house when it is my night to cook!

Please See All My Photo Albums of Williamsburg at...

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrjmartin/collections/72157623145751511/ 

Pizza... It's What's for Dinner!
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PLEASE SEE RELATED BLOGS…

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 1

Teacher's Institute Introduction 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/10/williamsburg-introduction.html

 Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 2
Jamestown Matters – Archeological Dig 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/09/jamestown-matters-part-1.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 3

Jamestown Matters – Jamestown Settlement 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/09/jamestown-matters-part-2.html

 Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 4
Williamsburg / Duke of Gloucester Street 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-duke-of-gloucester.html

 Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 5
Williamsburg / Capitol and Gaol 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-captitol-gaol.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 6
Williamsburg / Governor’s Palace 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-governors-palace.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 7
Williamsburg / Great Hopes Plantation 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-great-hopes-plantation.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 8
Williamsburg / Market Square 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/12/williamsburg-market-square.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 9
Yorktown / Surrender Field 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/12/yorktown-surrender-field.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 10
Parting Shots / Photography 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/12/williamsburg-parting-shots.html

_____________________________________________________________

Williamsburg / Captitol & Gaol

Colonial Williamsburg
Teacher's Institute / Summer 2009
Series Part # 5

The Capitol Building Gate

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Welcome to Law and Order, Colonial Williamsburg style... the highest court in Virginia. Following the colonial governments move to Williamsburg, a government building needed to be built where the legislature could meet and conduct business. The structure created was in the shape of an "H"; actually two separate buildings connected together. The east wing was reserved for the House of Burgesses and the west for the judicial business of the general court. The second floor provided space for the governor and his 12 council members, who were collectively known as the Council Chamber, to make key decisions for the colony. This was the first building in America that was actually called the capitol.

Governor's Balcony

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Fire had completely destroyed the government building three separate times when the capital existed in Jamestown. As a result, people were so concerned with the threat of fire that the new building was built without fireplaces and chimneys. The court generally met in the spring and fall for formal sessions so heat would not be needed. In addition... all fire, candles, and even tobacco use was prohibited to protect Virginia's new Capitol Building. However, the clerk of records began to complain that the dampness in the air was putting paper court files at risk. Two fireplaces were then added to help eliminate moisture inside the building. Within 20 years the building was completely gutted by fire.

Royal Court Room Paddock

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Moving Virginia's capital to Williamsburg had a major impact on the community formerly known as Middle Plantation. Later moving the capital again to Richmond also had a profound impact on Williamsburg.  As the people, businesses, and money moved west with the government, the community lost a great deal economically. The Capitol Building was rebuilt following the first fire but after the government moved inland to Richmond, the political buildings left behind fell into disrepair and became victims of neglect. Both the Governor's Palace and the rebuilt Capitol Building were laid waste once again by fire and in time, completely disappeared from the landscape. The lost buildings did not reappear until they were reconstructed during the initial building boom funded by the Rockefeller family in the mid 1930s. Today all the buildings in town, including the capitol, have to follow modern building codes, complete with smoke detectors and fire alarms installed!  Progress has its positive side!

Governor's Meeting Chamber

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The reconstructed building today was beautiful inside, symmetrical and orderly with innate woodwork throughout. One of the committee rooms is shown above where the future of Virginia was debated and new laws decided. The grand building often sat empty much of the year when the legislature was not in session. However, it was often opened for social events such as banquets, parties, and dances. We attended three excellent evening activities at the Capitol Building during the week. One program centered on ballroom dancing, an activity set aside for the gentry class of colonial America. We watched the dances performed by highly trained impersonators and then... yes... we danced with the professionals. Sadly, cameras were prohibited inside the event and evidence of me busting a move with some colonial ladies is lost to history. You will have to use your imagination... but I will tell you... I was poetry in motion! Smooth!

Military Trial Cast Members

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The second evening program was the recreation of an actual military court inquiry during the American Revolution in 1779. An officer was charged with cowardice when he withdrew from his assigned post leaving the town of Portsmouth defenseless. His decision saved the lives of his men but the town was soon easily captured by the British. A young artillery officer disagreed with the commanding officer's decision and protested the unit should have stayed and fought the enemy. The British destroyed 137 American ships anchored in the harbor.  Charges were filed against the actions of the commanding officer and the case was heard in the Capitol Building in Williamsburg. The actors shown above were excellent... minus the guy in the plantation palm hat in the center. He was just a bystander who was in the audience during the trial proceedings and jumped into the picture. The poor guy was obviously starving for attention. It's ok... you can feel sorry for him.

Court Room Judge's Chair

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The trial was carried out by candlelight, which really helped create a historical atmosphere. The case resembled a colonial version of a Judge Judy episode but everyone followed the proper conduct of aristocratic gentlemen with behavior associated with good breeding. Tempers flared but they never broke away from civility and respect for the judge and court. The acting was very convincing and the audience (us) acted as the jury for the case. Our verdict (Not Guilty) matched the actual courts decision. Well done! Justice is/was served.

Cell Block Courtyard

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On our final evening program associated with the Capitol Building was a three-stop skit on crime and punishment. I was a little curious why we were warned in advance that some may feel the need to exit the program and should feel free to step out if necessary? We started in the capitol's yard meeting a character named Jack Scratch who was sharpening a knife by firelight. He was one of the magistrate's associates who tracked down suspected criminals and then assisted with carrying out punishments. He was a little dark and intimidating, plus he never broke from character as he described his methods of intimidation when interrogating suspects in search for confessions of the truth. The knife never left his hand during his descriptions and he seemed a little psychotic himself. I was glad to move on to our next stop at the gaol next door leaving Jack Scratch in the shadows of the capitol building's courtyard.

Jail Cell Interior

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Next, we entered the jailhouse parlor where we met another one of the magistrate's creepy helpers who was preparing for a public branding, scheduled for the next morning. He looked like he might have been a former client of the jail and was now an employee. Criminals were branded with different letters depending on the nature of their crimes. He heated up a "T" iron brand (Thief) red hot and then demonstrated the procedure on a piece of leather to simulate the effect on human skin. Many in our group winced as the brand hissed into the leather, burning a permanent marking for all to see. This may be where the saying "A marked man" comes from because this punishment method marked you for life and everyone would always know of your crime. A marked man would have a more difficult time getting employment or acquiring credit. Thankfully, it was time to move on to our final stop at the jail cells where we would soon witness the most disturbing presentation of the evening.

Jail Cell Window

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Our final encounter was to meet an actual woman who was sentenced to death by hanging in Williamsburg long ago. She was executed, hung from the gallows behind the gaol, which we could see outlined in the distance in the moonlight. Although it was June, it was feeling more and more like Halloween. We were meeting her on the evening before her execution and it was an emotionally charged display of hysteria, not something for children. The woman suffered from mental illness and was calling out to her infant daughter that was taken away from her when she lived in England.

Court records indicate she lost her daughter due to her persistent problems with mental illness. Like many in the English prison system, she was deported to America as an indentured servant and wound up trying to harm her master... go figure! Didn't see that one coming! She never acknowledged our presence and it was gut wrenching to watch a person in a state of emotional and physical wreckage. No one left... but some turned away. I was glad to run into the same woman the next day portraying a weaver and seamstress, happy and content in her work!

Please See All My Photo Albums of Williamsburg at...

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrjmartin/collections/72157623145751511/

It was a realistic series of presentations and was reserved as an evening program because of the nature of the content. Again, not something I would recommend for children.

Note: Photography was prohibited during all evening performances. However, with the exception of the above two images, all photographs were taken by me personally.

Court Records Office

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PLEASE SEE RELATED BLOGS…

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 1

Teacher's Institute Introduction 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/10/williamsburg-introduction.html

 Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 2
Jamestown Matters – Archeological Dig 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/09/jamestown-matters-part-1.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 3

Jamestown Matters – Jamestown Settlement 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/09/jamestown-matters-part-2.html

 Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 4
Williamsburg / Duke of Gloucester Street 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-duke-of-gloucester.html

 Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 5
Williamsburg / Capitol and Gaol 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-captitol-gaol.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 6
Williamsburg / Governor’s Palace 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-governors-palace.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 7
Williamsburg / Great Hopes Plantation 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-great-hopes-plantation.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 8
Williamsburg / Market Square 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/12/williamsburg-market-square.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 9
Yorktown / Surrender Field 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/12/yorktown-surrender-field.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 10
Parting Shots / Photography 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/12/williamsburg-parting-shots.html

_____________________________________________________________ 

Williamsburg / Duke of Gloucester

Colonial Williamsburg
Teacher's Institute / Summer 2009
Series Part # 4
 

Main Drag of Williamsburg

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Following the destruction of Jamestown by the torches of Nathanial Bacon, the colony of Virginia decided to scrap plans to rebuild and sought out a new location for the capital.  A short distance inland but far from the mosquito filled swamps of Jamestown was a settlement known as Middle Plantation.  The settlement gained the name from the fact it was located in the middle of the peninsula.  It was the home to the College of William and Mary, which is the second oldest college in America. The House of Burgesses voted Middle Plantation as the new site for Virginia's capital and renamed the settlement Williamsburg after his majesty, King William III.  

Duke of Gloucester Street Map
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The center spine of Colonial Williamsburg is the Duke of Gloucester Street running from the College of William and Mary on the west end all the way to the Capitol Building on the east. As in the 18th century, the street continues to be the center of activity. This is where you will find the many popular colonial period taverns, frequented today by tourists and locals alike. The street was the center of commerce in Virginia where craftsmen put their skilled labor on display, shopkeepers offered the latest products from London, and several newspapers including the Virginia Gazette informed the public of local and world events. The quality and price of goods tended to increase as you traveled down the three blocks toward the Capitol Building.

Morning Stroll to Work

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The tree-lined street from the college to the capitol building is about a mile long and very broad at 99 feet wide. Over the years the roadway became very uneven through erosion becoming full of ruts and sinkholes. Locals often liked to joke that the Duke of Gloucester Street was 100 feet wide and 2 feet deep following a soaking rain. Today the center of the street is paved flanked by cobblestones to prevent erosion and muddy tourists tracking dirt into the restored buildings.  The Duke of Gloucester Street was once the heart of Virginia, where the most important people of the colony converged to conduct business, attend to legal matters, or vote in the elected legislature known as the House of Burgesses. For over 80 years Williamsburg was the powerful southern center of the English Colonies but the drums of war soon put the city at risk. Virginia's capitol was moved further inland to Richmond during the American Revolution, to protect the capital city from the guns of British warships.  As the government, businesses, and courts moved the bulk of the population to the new capital city, Williamsburg relapsed back into the slow pace of a peaceful small town.

Duke Of Gloucester / Circa 1910

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In the book Williamsburg: Before and After, the town prior to restoration was described as the community time forgot. Many of the colonial buildings continued to exist with some modern upgrades. Some buildings added a second floor, a front porch, or a new addition. Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin became the rector of the Bruton Parish Church, which continuously operated on the Duke of Gloucester Street since the 1700s. He took over the church as rector and oversaw a complete historical restoration of the brick church building. Following the project's completion, Goodwin was inspired by the fact that so many historical buildings still existed within the community that also could be saved and restored. A cause was born and Goodwin was soon seeking out individuals with the financial means to help preserve Williamsburg. The photograph above shows the Duke of Gloucester Street looking west, circa 1903. The steeple of Bruton Parish Church can be seen in the distance.

Goodwin and Rockefeller

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The proposed preservation of Williamsburg was unique in size and scope because Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin was not out to restore a few buildings but the entire town, which had never been done before. The task would be enormous and would require massive amounts of financial support. The townspeople who would be displaced would also have to cooperate. Philanthropist John D. Rockefeller was inspired by Goodwin's vision and eventually came on board with is wife Abby Alrich Rockefeller to provide the major source of funding for the project. During the 1930's many properties were purchased and restored while others were rebuilt on their original foundations. The layers of paint and building modifications were pealed away to reveal the original structures, which were then meticulously preserved. Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin died in 1939 but his vision lives on and continues to expand to the present day.

 Colonial Merchant Shops

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Over the years, Williamsburg slowly came back to life as the 18th century town when it was the capital of the Virginia colony. Today the 173-acre site contains 88 restored original buildings and over 50 more that were historically reconstructed. Most of the buildings that were no longer standing in the 1930's had fallen victim to fire at one time or another. This is the most common cause of death for colonial era buildings in all historic towns from New England to Georgia. Williamsburg's two most grand structures, the Governor's Palace and Capitol Building, both fell victim to fire between 1740 -1765 and were rebuilt as the project's centerpiece properties in the 1930s.

 Famous Bruton Steeple

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The sturdy brick Bruton Parish Church was built in 1715 and has served the community spiritually ever since. The church was originally Anglican, the official state Church of England, which was enforced by British Law. The popular church was attended by George Washington, Thomas, Jefferson, and Patrick Henry until Independence was declared. At this point, the church was seen as a symbol of the king's authority in America. The House of Burgesses decided to cut off all financial tax support to the king's church and as a result, the church building's appearance and parish membership began to decline over time. Later, the church reinvented itself as one of the new Episcopalian churches in America. Today Bruton Parish Church has over 1700 members and the beautiful sanctuary is open to the public for guided tours.

 Bruton Church Interior

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Like many churches close to the fighting during the Civil War, Bruton Parish served as a makeshift hospital for Union and Confederate wounded during the little known Battle of Williamsburg in May of 1862. The clash took place between Union Brigadier General Joseph Hooker and a Confederate re-guard regiment led by Major General James Longstreet. The battle was brief and took place as the Confederate forces were retreating from Yorktown toward Richmond. Union forces prevailed but the Confederates continued moving south, escaping through the dark of night following the engagement. The wounded left behind from both sides were nursed within the parish walls and several causalities were later buried outside within the church yard.

 Reserved Sunday Seating

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It was a great experience to see the interior of the church where families rented out box style pews. Like many colonial era buildings in Williamsburg, the church had gone through a lot of physical interior changes over the years. It was Reverend Goodwin who oversaw the church's restoration back to the building's original colonial style. I am standing in the Washington Family pew in the picture above. Some pews that were rented and reserved, display the family name on the sliding pew door that was closed when the family was seated for services.

Please See All My Photo Albums of Williamsburg at...

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrjmartin/collections/72157623145751511/

Did you know: Two of Martha Custis Washington's children (to her first husband) that died in infancy are buried here in the Bruton Church yard.

Did you know: Sixteen signers of the Declaration of Independence and three future presidents (Jefferson; Monroe; Tyler) attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg.

PLEASE SEE RELATED BLOGS…

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 1

Teacher's Institute Introduction 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/10/williamsburg-introduction.html

 Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 2
Jamestown Matters – Archeological Dig 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/09/jamestown-matters-part-1.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 3

Jamestown Matters – Jamestown Settlement 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/09/jamestown-matters-part-2.html

 Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 4
Williamsburg / Duke of Gloucester Street 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-duke-of-gloucester.html

 Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 5
Williamsburg / Capitol and Gaol 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-captitol-gaol.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 6
Williamsburg / Governor’s Palace 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-governors-palace.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 7
Williamsburg / Great Hopes Plantation 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/11/williamsburg-great-hopes-plantation.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 8
Williamsburg / Market Square 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/12/williamsburg-market-square.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 9
Yorktown / Surrender Field 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/12/yorktown-surrender-field.html

Colonial Williamsburg / Series Part # 10
Parting Shots / Photography 
http://campmartintravels.blogspot.com/2009/12/williamsburg-parting-shots.html

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