In 1699, after nearly a century of famine, fevers, and battles with neighboring American Indian tribes, the beleaguered Virginia Colony abandoned the mosquito-infested swamp at Jamestown for a planned colonial city 6 miles inland. They named it Williamsburg for the reigning British monarch, William of Orange.
Until the government was moved to Richmond in 1780 to be safer from British attack, Williamsburg played a major role as a seat of royal government and later as hotbed of revolution. During the Revolution, Williamsburg served as the wartime capital for four years and was variously the headquarters of General Washington, Rochameau, and Cornwallis.
Today thousands of people visit Williamsburg to walk in the old historic buildings that were restored by John D. Rockfeller Jr. Among these colonial buildings are Bruton Parish Church, The Governor’s Palace, The Capitol, The Courthouse, and may more buildings such as Taverns and personal homes.
In addition, to Williamsburg’s history there are many other unique things a tourist can do once they arrive in Williamsburg such as visit the Pottery and enjoy the rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Also, there is two water parks Water Country and also a new attraction located in James City County just outside Williamsburg called The Wolf Lodge which contains a water park inside a hotel.
Population (year 2000): 11,998, Est. population in July 2002: 11,693 (-2.5% change)
Elevation: 86 feet
Land area: 8.5 square miles
Zip codes: 23185, 23186, 23188.
Nearest city with pop. 50,000+: Newport News, VA (20.9 miles, pop. 180,150).
Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: Norfolk, VA (40.9 miles, pop. 234,403).
Nearest city with pop. 1,000,000+: Philadelphia, PA (216.8 miles, pop. 1,517,550).
Nearest cities: Surry, VA (13.0 miles), Rushmere, VA (13.8 miles), Yorktown, VA (13.9 miles), Gloucester Point, VA (14.4 miles), Gloucester Courthouse, VA (15.9 miles), Claremont, VA (18.0 miles), West Point, VA (19.8 miles), Newport News, VA (20.9 miles).
Industries providing employment: Educational,health and social services (25.6%), Arts,entertainment,recreation,accommodation and food services (22.5%), Retail trade (13.2%).
Hospitals/medical centers in Williamsburg:
• EASTERN STATE HOSPITAL (4601 IRONBOUND ROAD, PO BOX 8791)
• EASTERN STATE HOSPITAL (4601 IRONBOUND ROAD)
• WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (1238 MOUNT VERNON AVENUE)
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Williamsburg:
• NEWPORT NEWS/WILLIAMSBURG INTERNATIONAL (about 19 miles; NEWPORT NEWS, VA; ID: PHF)
• LANGLEY AFB (about 29 miles; HAMPTON, VA; ID: LFI)
• NORFOLK NS (about 38 miles; NORFOLK, VA; ID: NGU)
Other public-use airports nearest to Williamsburg:
• WILLIAMSBURG-JAMESTOWN (about 3 miles; WILLIAMSBURG, VA; ID: JGG)
• MIDDLE PENINSULA RGNL (about 17 miles; WEST POINT, VA; ID: FYJ)
• WAKEFIELD MUNI (about 29 miles; WAKEFIELD, VA; ID: AKQ)
Library in Williamsburg:
• WILLIAMSBURG REGIONAL LIBRARY (Operating income: $4,692,972; Location: 7770 CROAKER ROAD; 281,077 books; 13,823 audio materials; 15,221 video materials; 545 serial subscriptions)
