In Tribute of the English King
Once called Middle Plantation, Williamsburg, Virginia obtained its name in honor of the English king, William III. It developed because of the unsuitability of Jamestown for a settlement. With the vision of expanding newly-named Williamsburg, builders planned the town in squares and avenues that ran perpendicular to each formatted area. They also wanted to include such familiar landmarks as a Capitol building, a college and a church.
Pre-Williamsburg
Before that time, and prior to the establishment of Jamestown in the early 17th century, the area where Williamsburg stood was forested. At that time, the Powhatan tribe inhabited the region. It was an ideal location for early settlers because the area’s rivers made travel easier. Therefore, many early residents established residence there.
Historic Events
It was in Williamsburg that Patrick Henry, in 1765, delivered his well-renowned speech. In addition, the town was in close proximity to Yorktown, where, in 1781, the Revolutionary War ended. Even before the Revolutionary War came to a halt, Williamsburg was prosperous. Boasting a population of almost 2,000, the town was made up of a variety of businesses and trades, or those represented by tailors, bakers, gunsmiths, wheelwrights, and coopers.
John D. Rockefeller Steps in to Restore Williamsburg
Even though Williamsburg started as the center of governmental policy in the Virginia colony, by the end of the Revolutionary War, that authority had been shifted to Virginia’s capital, Richmond.
In response, people left and certain buildings in the town began to deteriorate. The College of William and Mary was the only familiar site that was established before the conflict with Britain. However, in the late 1800s, the railroad came to town, and commerce was somewhat revitalized.
The city remained a sleepy, little college town though until the early 20th century when John D. Rockefeller undertook plans to restore the city to the way it had been in colonial times.
Colonial Williamsburg Today – A Good Place to Own a Timeshare Property
Now, you can experience the charm of another time when you choose to buy a timeshare in the historic area. Check out the timeshares that are available online. If you enjoy history, you will be happy spending time in Colonial Williamsburg.
One of the places that may interest you is Colonial Crossings at Williamsburg. The resort offers 1, 2 and three bedroom units, all equipped with a full kitchen with dishwasher as well as a fireplace, washer and dryer, patio or balcony and comfortable furnishings. The resort property looks very stately and traditional, what with its white columns and brick exterior. It’s one of the places that makes Colonial Williamsburg unique and memorable.
