#85 Williamsburg, VA 4-21-09

We stayed in the RV for a couple of days and let the rain and thunderstorms pass by. By then we were ready to do some sight seeing. We headed about 50 miles from the park to Old Colonial Williamsburg, VA

We arrived in Colonial Williamsburg and were greeted with a beautiful windmill behind a split rail fence.

Below is an album with pictures of the Magazine and Guard house that we toured. It was narrated by a time appropriate man telling everyone what the magazine was used for and what was stored.

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The album below includes pictures of the “show” that was being performed during our visit. There was a historic speech from the governor about how unhappy he was concerning the incident of tea being tossed into the Boston Harbor. Then discussion among the delegates, such as Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and George Washington. There are also shots of how the people lived in this pre-revolutionary town. All in period costumes.

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After watching some of the performances and re-enactments of the Revolution times we wandered down to the House of Burgess and did the tour through the building.

Below is the judicial room. At first there were 12 men who passed judgment on the accused. Later it was just one chief judge. Can you see Patrick Henry or Thomas Jefferson sitting in the big chair?

The light fixtures, hinges on doors, and the paintings are all recreated to be just like it would have been in the 1700’s

The last building we visited was the public goal. The story of the jail and the criminals that were housed there is very interesting. Most of the time there were very few criminals in the jail at any time. Most of the crimes were minor. If there was a major crime, such as horse stealing, and the criminal was convicted they were hung. If the crime was minor, such as stealing a sheep, then the criminal, if judged guilty, would be branded on the palm of their hand with a “T” for thief. If they were ever caught again doing any criminal activity they were automatically hung. There was no prison system!

Below is the Goal Keepers room. It didn’t sound like he was a very busy man.

A pair of shackles that still hang in the old goal.

Below is the back side of the House of Burgess. The picture was taken from the Goal. The prisoners didn’t have far to walk to get to go before the court.

The last homes we saw as we left Williamsburg. Lovingly restored and well maintained.