Williamsburg Facts

Known as the "historic triangle," Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown contain treasures found nowhere else. Although all three celebrate and educate about the history of the United States, each has a unique story and way of exploring the past.

Jamestown

Site of the first permanent English settlement in North America, Jamestown today is a historical site located within Colonial National Historical Park and provides numerous ways to learn about the past. There are no permanent residents in Jamestown, although during the day it is bustling with colorful colonial characters and tourists from all over the world. The two main Jamestown attractions are both centered around the town's rich history. Jamestown Settlement is a recreation of an English fort, a Native American village, and the ships used to sail to the New World. Also at Jamestown is Historic Jamestown, the actual site of the original colony featuring archaeological digs and glass blowing.

Williamsburg

Made up of the old and the new, the city of Williamsburg is divided into four main parts: colonial diversions, New Town, the College of William and Mary and commercial attractions.

Williamsburg is best known for its colonial charm. Colonial Williamsburg is one of the city's main points of interest and features an 18th century town complete with actors to create one of the largest living history museums in the world. Visitors can interact with the townspeople to become a part of history. Colonial Williamsburg also has numerous restaurants and taverns serving up olden day fare adding to the complete experience.

New Town is less touristy than the rest of the city. Filled with conveniences, New Town is a great place for shopping, dining, catching a movie, or making a home. Regal New Town Cinemas 12 is located here as are some of the more international dining options. Many services for residents, such as banks, fitness centers, and real estate agencies are also located in New Town.

A large part of Williamsburg belongs to the College of William and Mary located just south of New Town and to the west of downtown Williamsburg. Keeping the town young, the university is a first rate institute full of cultural offerings.

Beyond colonial happenings and suburban offerings, Williamsburg also has a plethora of unique attractions drawing both locals and tourists just outside the city center. Amusement park Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, a water park, are located in Williamsburg for wholesome family fun. Nearby are also shopping outlet centers Williamsburg Outlet Mall and Williamsburg Prime Outlets, as well as Williamsburg Pottery which has objects from all over the world.

Yorktown

A tiny town with less than 300 inhabitants, Yorktown is primarily known for the part it played in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Historic Yorktown contains buildings dating back to the colonial era, as well as quaint shops, cafes and restaurants. See Yorktown Battlefield where General Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington and or Yorktown National Cemetery where hundreds of Civil War soldiers are buried.