U.S. Destinations : Virginia : Colonial History
Virginia
Colonial History

Experience Colonial Williamsburg
PO Box 1776
Williamsburg,  Virginia  23187
Toll-Free: 800-HISTORY
Official Site

What would your life have been like had you lived 250 years ago? Are you a patriot or a loyalist? Native or foreign-born? Farmer or tradesperson? A commoner or royalty? These questions and more are raised as America's past comes alive in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area. In the 1770s, Williamsburg was the political, cultural, and educational center of the largest, most populous, and most influential of the American colonies. Today, Colonial Williamsburg offers guests a unique opportunity to step back in time to experience the ideas and dreams of people-both famous and everyday-in the days leading up to the American Revolution. Log onto www.ColonialWilliamsburg.com to plan your journey today.


A Colonial Journey Through Virginia's Northern Neck
P.O. Box 460
Heathsville,  Virginia  22473
Phone: (804) 580-6336

Let us take you through Virginia's Northern Neck where you will discover some important but little known colonial history. Trace the Washington, Lee, Carter, and Ball families from the original immigrants to their famous descendents. Your guided tour will include visits to several Lee ancestral homes and locales, including Ditchley, Burnt House Field, Menokin, and Stratford Hall, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee. You will learn about Robert "King" Carter and the grand colonial church he commissioned (Historic Christ Church). You'll get to know Mary Ball, mother of our first president, by visiting the Mary Ball Museum, Yeocomico Church, her childhood parish, and the George Washington Birthplace. Along the way,you will look in on the colonial courthouse towns of four county seats. Contact us for a free customized trip design and price.

African-American History Tour of Alexandria
201 King Street, Suite 302
Alexandria,  Virginia  22314
Phone: (703) 519-1749

The journey of African-Americans from an enslaved people to leadership is a journey of hardship and triumph. Alexandria is uniquely qualified to tell that story.

This walking tour is perfect for families, student groups, reunions, and group outings.

You'll see Market Square, where human beings of dark coloration were bought and sold. It is near a prosperous merchant's home who owned 30 slaves. Nearby is an abolitionist Quaker's shop, who said of slavery, “it sickens my heart to reflect upon it.” And African-Americans staged America’s first sit-in here.

Stops include Alexandria's Black History Resource Center, Franklin & Armfield Slave office, and African-American Heritage Park.

Join us for a compelling tour that reflects our country’s struggle to live up to the goal of "liberty and justice for all."

Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
200 Second Street NE
Charlottesville,  Virginia  22902
Phone: (434) 296-1492

Founded in 1940, the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society seeks to study, preserve, and promote the history of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia. The Society strives to accomplish this mission through a variety of public programs, including exhibits, publications, lectures, walking tours, oral history interviews, and various educational programs. The Society's research library contains over 2,000 books and bound periodicals, as well as photographs, manuscripts, maps, pamphlets, newspapers, and vertical files relating to the history of our community. The Society's museum collection contains over 1,500 artifacts of historical significance to Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. No Admission Charge.

Alexandria's Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour
221 King St.
Alexandria,  Virginia  22314
Phone: (703) 519-1749

Creep through the darkest night following the lantern light of your 18th century guide hearing stories of ghosts, spirits and legends of Alexandria. Learn of unsolved mysteries, tales of romance and angry ghosts out for revenge. And you'll be abandoned in a graveyard!

"One of the best tours in the DC area." Featured on the Travel Channel, Washington Post, Southern Living.

Amherst County Museum & Historical Society
154 S. Main St
Amherst,  Virginia  24521
Phone: (434) 946-9068

The Amherst County Museum & Historical Society aims to preserve the history of Amherst County, Virginia through the exhibition of our collections and the operation of a genealogy research library. Housed in a 1907 Georgian home, the Amherst County Museum maintains two rooms of changing exhibits on the history of Amherst County. Amherst County Pathways, our exhibit on the history of Amherst County is a permanent fixture at the Museum. Also on the main floor is a reference library filled with material on the history of Virginia, local history and genealogical files that may be used for research purposes. Hours are 8:30 to 5:00 Tuesday through Saturday, closing for lunch daily from noon until 1:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and holidays. Admission is free. Donations gratefully accepted.

Ash Lawn-Highland, Home of President James Monroe
1000 James Monroe Parkway
Charlottesville,  Virginia  22902
Phone: (434) 293-9539

In 1799, James Monroe and his family moved into their Albemarle "cabin castle," adjacent to Jefferson's Monticello. Jefferson had previously urged Monroe to move to the area to create a "society to our taste".

Today, visitors can tour the fifth president's home, which was recently refurbished based on new research and inventory lists. Original and period French and American furniture, boxwood gardens, and a 535-acre working farm await visitors. Reconstructed using archaeology and a 1908 photograph, the slave quarters stands alongside two original outbuildings.

Avoca
1514 Main Street
Altavista,  Virginia  24517
Phone: (434) 369-1076

Avoca, the principal architectural landmark of the Town of Altavista, is an American Queen Anne-style house, designed by architect J.M.B. Lewis and built in 1901. Designated a Virginia Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Avoca is the homesite of Colonel Charles Lynch, Revolutionary War hero.

On the 5 acres of grounds of the Museum, visitors may tour the Avoca mansion and original, Revolutionary War era kitchen, as well as 18th century outbuildings. Avoca is home to an impressive Civil War exhibit and the Juliette Fauntleroy Native American Artifact Collection, one of the largest in the state.

Ball-Sellers House
5620 Third Street South
Arlington,  Virginia
Phone: (703) 379-2123

Donated to the Arlington Historical Society in 1975, this is Arlington's oldest residence. It was built around 1742. It is a rare example of the homes where the working class people of the time lived. It is occupied by a caretaker for the Society and the interior may be seen by calling ahead. The small house - with its original logs, clapboard roof and pegged floorboards - is one room with a loft and an attached lean-to room at the rear. The house was built by John Ball on a 166-acre land grant from Lord Thomas Fairfax and later owned by William Carlin, tailor to George Washington. Three generations of the Carlin family owned the property for more than 100 years. The third generation, brother and sister Andrew and Anne, ran a dairy farm and built the 1880 house that adjoins the Ball cabin.

Belle Grove Plantation
336 Belle Grove Road
Middletown,  Virginia  22645
Phone: (540) 869-2028

Once described as "the most splendid building west of the Blue Ridge," Belle Grove Plantation was the home of Major Isaac Hite, Jr. and his wife Nelly Conway Madison, sister of President James Madison. Architecturally inspired by Thomas Jefferson and completed in 1797, Belle Grove has been a focus of Valley life for more than two centuries. Located at the epicenter of the 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek, Belle Grove features compelling Early American and Civil War history, a fine period decorative arts collection, and breathtaking mountain views. Belle Grove's Museum Shop specializes in unique books and gifts inspired by 18th and early 19th century Virginia plantation life. Belle Grove Plantation is conveniently located near the intersection of I-81 and I-66, one mile south of Middletown, VA on US Route 11.

Boykin's Tavern
17130 Monument Circle
Isle of Wight,  Virginia  23397
Phone: (757) 357-5182
Toll-Free: (800) 365-9339

Named after Francis Boykin, who served as a lieutenant with Patrick Henry and later camped with George Washington at Valley Forge. He inherited this land in 1780, as well as the house that had stood there since 1762. A smart businessman, he donated land for the Isle of Wight Courthouse of 1800 and even helped pay for the original courthouse, which is still standing and being used today, as well as the new jail. This way his tavern was conveniently located right next door for meals and refreshments needed by court officers and personnel, curious observers and travelers.

Civil War Era in Historic Staunton Virginia
116 West Beverley St
Staunton,  Virginia  24401
Phone: (540) 332-3865

Staunton played a pivotal role during the Civil War years when the Shenandoah Valley served as the "Breadbasket of the Confederacy." While most battles were being fought north or west of the town, it was the presence of the Virginia Central Railroad that provided a vital link between the Valley and eastern Virginia, making Staunton an important supply depot for the Confederacy. Visit such sights as the Railroad Station Area, Trinity Episcopal Church, Thornrose Cemetery, Stuart Hall and Staunton National Cemetery. Learn about the Stonewall Brigade Band, organized in 1855 and still performing free concerts in Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park, Monday evenings from June through August. Study Jed Hotchkiss, mapmaker for Stonewall Jackson. Or just come to see it all by exploring Staunton's five National Historic Districts.

Claude Moore Colonial Farm
6310 Georgetown Pike
McLean,  Virginia  22101
Phone: (703) 442-7557

The Claude Moore Colonial Farm welcomes the public for its 2005 season. Learn authentic colonial history hands-on.
2005 season features self-guided tours, seasonal Market Fairs, other special events, Farm Skills educational program, apprentice programs and internships. Group visits welcome. Farm Gatehouse gift shop also open.

Clover Hill Village
P.O. Box 863
Appomattox,  Virginia  24522
Phone: (434) 352-2007

Clover Hill Village is a six acre village where the history and heritage of Appomattox County comes to life. Enjoy a glimpse into daily life in the past (1840-1920) as you browse through the many historic buildings, including a log cabin, chapel, school, blacksmith shop, general store, and post office. Self-guided tours through the grounds daily from 9:00 a.m. to dusk. Brochures available at entrance. Guided building tours available Thursday through Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and by appointment at other hours. Tour length 1 to 2 hours.

Colonial Williamsburg
1 Visitor Center Drive
Williamsburg,  Virginia  23185
Toll-Free: (800) HIS-TORY

Colonial Williamsburg, the nation's largest living history museum, consists of 301 acres encompassing 88 original buildings and hundreds of other homes, shops and public buildings. Colonial Williamsburg operates the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and Bassett Hall. Visitors can enjoy 18th-century style dining Colonial Williamsburg's four dining taverns -- Chowning's, Christiana Campbell's, Shields and King's Arms Tavern. Guest accommodations are available in Colonial Williamsburg's Hotels -- the world-class Williamsburg Inn, the Colonial Houses, the Williamsburg Lodge and Woodlands Hotel & Suites and the Governor's Inn. Call for a copy of our Vacation Planner.

Flowerdew Hundred
1617 Flowerdew Hundred Rd.
Hopewell,  Virginia  23860
Phone: (804) 541-8897

Flowerdew Hundred is one of the best preserved early seventeenth century English settlements discovered in America. First settled in 1619 by Sir George Yeardley, Flowerdew evolved into one of the most successful settlements in early Virginia. Throughout the 17th, 18th, & 19th century, Flowerdew witnessed the continued expansion of Virginia, and played an integral part in many of Virginia's most important episodes. While visiting Flowerdew Hundred visitors can enjoy both the historic and natural resources of the 1400 acre working farm. Tours include: Museum, 1820 detached kitchen, Commemorative Windmill, Grant's Crossing and driving tour, and Walk on the Wildside!. Educational programs are available for school age children, and are based on Virginia's Standards of Learning. Join us for a day in the country that lasts 400 years.

George Mason's Gunston Hall Plantation
10709 Gunston Road
Mason Neck,  Virginia  22070
Phone: (703) 550-9220

Gunston Hall Plantation is the home of George Mason, author of America’s first bill of rights. The site is privileged to tell the public about the international significance of its owner for his unique contribution to the universal cause of human rights. Located 20 miles south of Washington, DC, the property is open daily for tours except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Mason’s ca. 1755 brick mansion, with its highly ornamented interiors, is the focal point of an estate that also features a visitors’ center with exhibits, reconstructed outbuildings, heritage farm animals, an ongoing archaeology program, and a trail to the Potomac River. Gunston Hall Plantation is an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is administered by a Board of Regents of Gunston Hall. Admission fee. Group tours by reservation.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument Park
1732 Popes Creek Road
Colonial Beach,  Virginia  22443
Phone: (804) 224-1732

George Washington was born on his father's Pope Creek tobacco farm on February 22, 1732. When George was 3 1/2, his father took his family to live at Mount Vernon. In 1779 the home where Washington was born burned. A Memorial House was built near the spot in 1930. Today the National Park Service operates a colonial farm where costumed interpreters recreate the sights, sounds and smells of 18th century plantation life. Daily activities include a 14-minute film at the visitor center/museum, tours of the memorial house, the colonial kitchen, spinning shop and the farm buildings. Special programs are available for adult and school groups. Special weekend activities vary each year, please check the calendar of events . Located 40 miles east of Fredericksburg off Virginia Route 3 near Oak Grove, Va.

George Washington's Ferry Farm
268 Kings Hiway
Fredericksburg,  Virginia  22405
Phone: (540) 370-0732

Located 38 miles south of Mount Vernon on the banks of the Rappahannock River (King's Highway-Route 3 East) opposite Fredericksburg, is Ferry Farm, George Washington's boyhood home. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the farm Washington inherited at age 11 and where he lived between the ages of 6 and 20. Washington's Ferry Farm is an active archaeological site. While there are no buildings on the property now that were here at the time of the Washingtons, guides are available to interpret the latest findings to the public. Please call to arrange a conducted tour.

George Washington's Gristmill at Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy
Mount Vernon,  Virginia  22121
Phone: (703) 780-2000

George Washington's Gristmill returned to the grind, and became a part of Mount Vernon, in 2002 after five years of research and restoration work conducted by Mount Vernon. Visitors see an 18th-century water-powered mill in operation, discover how it works, and learn how this particular mill played an important role in George Washington's vision for America's future as "granary to the world." Costumed millers discuss the character and accomplishments of George Washington – one of the nation’s most innovative and successful farmers. Adjacent to the Gristmill is an active archaeology site at George Washington's Distillery. George Washington’s Gristmill at Mount Vernon is open seven days a week, April through October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets to the Gristmill are available at Mount Vernon's Main Gate or the Gristmill Shop

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