When most people think of life in Early America, a picture of a small farm, with far-flung neighbors and a passel of geese, ducks, or chickens generally comes to mind. Booming urban areas, large-scale trading, the finest crafts, the latest fashions from Europe, and the best in dining and entertainment rarely come to mind.

In fact, many budding cities such as New York and Philadelphia began in this fashion during the days of British rule in the American Colonies. Williamsburg, Virginia is a fine example of what life would have been like in one of these early cities.

Dating back to the 1600s, Williamsburg played an important role in colony life. It was the government center for the entire territory of the Virginia – which at that time, stretched well into Pennsylvania and across into Illinois, Kentucky and Michigan. The Governor of the Colony lived here in the Governor’s Palace – a magnificent home, now open for tours. The Magistrate here oversaw all court cases. Williamsburg was close enough to the coast that it quickly became a major trade center, drawing not only those seeking finery from Europe, but those who could make fine goods here in America.

In the days leading up to the American Revolution, Williamsburg was the political center of Virginia. It was here in the Capital building that young revolutionaries such as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry – who’s famous “Give me Liberty, or Give me Death” speech sowed the seeds of revolution – worked to forge the groundwork for our fight for freedom.

Williamsburg today seems frozen in a preserved state; perpetually reflecting the way it was in the beginning. Each building has been restored, down to the most painstaking details. It is filled with the traditional crafts and artists that originally made Williamsburg a trading center. There are pubs for meeting, fine restaurants for dining, and spectacular activities focusing on education.

For a truly exceptional experience, it is possible to forego traditional lodgings and become part of the history by staying in a historic home. It is necessary to book a room far in advance, and it may not fit into every budget, but there are very few encounters that are so complete and bring such a visceral understanding of the past as going to sleep, and then waking up, surrounded by the sights, sounds and feelings of a world long since past. Even if staying in “the modern world,” Williamsburg is definitely an experience not to be missed!

Happy History Hunting!