Today our entire day was spent in Williamsburg.
After breakfast we made the short walk from our hotel to the Visitor Center, then followed a timeline on the ground as we strolled into the heart of what was once the colonial era capital of the Virginia colony. Along the way the timeline took us further & further back in time until we entered the historic area in the late 1700s.
Our guide today was Laurie, who showed us around the restored, rebuilt & reconstructed colonial buildings. There were historical re-enactors in many of the buildings, as well as walking ni the streets, working in stores, etc.
One of the highlights of the day (so much so that some of the group went back for a second try!) was 'the brick yard'. Here the re-enactors make bricks the same way that it was done over 200 years ago in Williamsburg. And the students had the opportunity to knead the clay with their bare feet!
Later we visited the colonial Capitol. Here we learned more about the colonists struggles against the tyranny of King George III & the events leading up to the Revolutionary War. Williamsburg as the Virginia capital at the time, was frequented to many leading Americans of the day - Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, George Mason, James Madison, Patrick Henry were all Virginians so regular visitors to Williamsburg either as delegates to the Capitol or for other business.
Our final group visit was to the jail. Here we saw the cells where the notorious pirate Blackbeard's crew were held before trial). And we learned what might happen to criminals guilty of lesser crimes than piracy...
At lunchtime we split up. The students spent the afternoon with Ms MacGillis, exploring more of the exhibits including the Governor's palace.
Then we met up again this evening for our group dinner in one of the colonial city's original historic taverns.
As well as eating we also enjoyed traditional music & met more historical characters.
All in all a great day in colonial times!
Tomorrow: Jamestown & Busch Gardens...
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