Beautiful Williamsburg, Virginia was originally founded as Middle Plantation, a fortified settlement situated on a patch of high ground between the James and York rivers. Renamed in 1669 in honor of King William III, when the capital was moved from Jamestown, Williamsburg settled itself into becoming one of the most historically significant cities in the country. Years of dramatic, pivotal events compose its rich and colorful past as the thriving cultural hub, educational paradise and political center of the Colony of Virginia during the Revolution.
Today, Colonial Williamsburg, a world famous living history park, sprawls across 301 prime acres peppered with authentic 18th century structures as well as hundreds of stately homes, charming shops and public outbuildings that have been meticulously reconstructed on their original foundations. Centuries fall away as engaging character guides lead your travel group through cozy garden gates, quiet court yards and shadowy doorways. Can you hear the rattle of wagon wheels on rough cobblestone or the contented cluck of a fat Colonial hen? Do you smell the coal smoke and start, just a bit, as blacksmith’s hammer meets cast anvil, forging a shoe for a patriot’s faithful steed?
Perhaps your historical interest tends a little earlier than colonial times. If so, maybe your group would enjoy a stop at the Historic Jamestown site, an archaeological park where scientists and historians have uncovered the original site of Fort James and an earlier Powhatan Indian village. Tour the site to see uncovered artifacts, recreated buildings, and learn from active historians.
Rest assured, the budding parapsychologists among you aren’t forgotten, here popular nightly guided "ghost" tours of infamous Williamsburg haunts may introduce them to more of the past than they bargained for!
Plenty of area recreations including theme and water parks, amazing shopping opportunities, fabulous restaurants, scores of interactive colonial theaters and other local diversions are certain to appeal to your student travel group in this grand old Virginia dame!