The Historic Triangle: Information & Attractions

A Brief Overview of America's Historic Triangle

Williamsburg, Virginia, is centrally located 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., midway between Richmond and Virginia Beach.  Virginia's Historic Triangle consists of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown and is connected by the 23-mile long Colonial National Historical Parkway.  Both the James and the York Rivers flow on opposite sides of the Parkway, enhancing this scenic drive through history.

Perhaps more vividly than anywhere else in America, the exciting story of our nation's past comes to life in Virginia's restored colonial capital, Colonial Williamsburg.  The Historic Area is much more than buildings, museums and artifacts.  It's a living community!  Here, merchants sell their goods, tradesmen practice their craft and brave patriots whisper plans for revolution.  Located on 301 acres, Colonial Williamsburg is an outdoor museum with more than 500 reconstructed buildings which include homes, stores, taverns and the Great Hopes Plantation.  Set in the backdrop of lush gardens and greenery, craftsmen practice 30 historic and domestics trades while interpreters and character actors play the part of colonial townspeople.  Other highlights in the Historic Area include the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum; Basset Hall, the Williamsburg home of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.; the Governor's Palace; and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. 

The College of William and Mary, located adjacent to Williamsburg's Historic Area, was established in 1693 and is the second oldest college in America.  Three early presidents - Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler - all attended William and Mary.  Classes are still held in the Wren Building, designed by England's Sir Christopher Wren.  The structure is believed to be the oldest, still functioning academic building in America. 

On the banks of the James River, just a few miles from Williamsburg, are Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne.  In 1607, 104 brave explorers from the Virginia Company of London established the first permanent English settlement in the New World at Jamestown.  The settlement features full-size replicas of the three ships that arrived in 1607 - the Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery.  You can also visit a reconstructed Powhatan Indian Village and James Fort, the Riverfront Discovery Area and an impressive outdoor museum.  Outdoor, costumed interpreters perform 17th-century activities and crafts.  At Historic Jamestowne, you can explore a recreated 1608 Glasshouse; the 1639 Church Tower; statues of John Smith and Pocahontas; the original ruins of the town; the Jamestown Rediscovery Archeological excavation; a new Visitor Center; the Natalie P. and Alan Voorhees Archaearium, which showcases genuine artifacts from Jamestown; the Dale House Cafe; and a scenic three or five mile island trail which you may drive, walk, run or bike. 

Our country's freedom was won in nearby Yorktown.  In 1781, it was here that General George Washington defeated England's General Cornwallis in the landmark battle of the American Revolutionary War.  Today, the Yorktown Battlefield is a national park where tours include earthworks, Washington's Headquarters, Surrender Field; Moore House, the scene of negotiations for the surrender of Yorktown; Nelson House, the home of Governor Thomas Nelson, Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the Yorktown Monument.  The Yorktown Victory Center recaptures the true life drama of the American Revolution through powerful galleries that tell the stories of men and women who lived during the war.  The Continental Army encampment depicts life in the military, including the use of medicine in colonial times.  At a simulated 1780s farm site, visitors can learn the everyday talks of cultivating crops, preserving and preparing food and turning flax and wool into cloth. 

In the 1700s, Yorktown flourished as a colonial tobacco port.  Today, the historic town is comprised of a variety of local artisan and antique shops, homes and waterfront activities.  With the addition of Riverwalk Landing, this quaint village experienced a rebirth.  This scenic Riverwalk along the beach connects the Yorktown Battlefield with the Yorktown Victory Center and boasts an array of distinctive shops and food stores, an upscale restaurant, new piers, an outdoor performance venue and complimentary parking.  Between April and October, you can take a glide through historical waters onboard the magnificent "Tall Ship," the Schooner Alliance.

Our modern-day attractions make Williamsburg a timeless and exciting destination.  Voted the world's "Most Beautiful Theme Park" for 18 consecutive years, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a European-themed park with adventure waiting around every corner.  Thrill seekers will enjoy the park's newest ride - the Griffon!  The world's tallest, floorless roller coaster, the Griffon carries its riders up 205 feet only to drop them down at a 90 degree angle going 75 miles per hour!  Brave guests can get their fill of adventure on the park's Curse of DarKastle.  This 4-D ride uses cutting edge technology as guests board golden sleighs for a mesmerizing journey through an icy world, complete with medieval castles, spooks and werewolves!  Busch Gardens Williamsburg boasts more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions, nine main stage shows, a variety of award-winning cuisine and world-class shopping.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg's sister park, Water Country USA is the Mid-Atlantic's largest water-play park and was voted one of America's best water parks by the Travel Channel.  With a 50s and 60s surf theme and more than 35 super soaking rides, slides and attractions, Water Country will be sure to entertain and amuse visitors of all ages.  In 2008, Rock 'n' Roll Island debuted with three new body slides that empty into a 9,000 square-foot pool all surrounded by a 700-foot lazy river.       

Located across from Water Country USA is Presidents Park, an outdoor museum dedicated to the American Executive Branch.  The park features larger than life monuments of all U.S. presidents, designed and created by internationally known artist, David Adickes.  Presidents Park offers an educational and fascinating experience for groups of all ages.

For the strange and unusual, visits Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum & 4-D Theater.  This museum contains 11 themed galleries which include more than 300-one-of-a-kind exhibits.  From a South American shrunken head to a piece of the Berlin Wall, from dinosaur eggs to strands of George Washington's hair, this "Odditorium" embraces the shocking, bizarre and extraordinary!  Continue your unbelievable visit to Ripley's by embarking on a sensory experience like no other in the attached 4-D Theater, which offers two double-feature flicks.

For another journey into the believe it or not, visit Dolls of Diane, featuring - you guessed it - an amazing selection of dolls from around the world!  Dolls of Diane offers a rare and beautiful experience for families and groups of all ages  The doll collection includes famous personality displays, dolls created by world-renowned artists, dolls furnishings and accessories and a gift shop boasting collectibles and novelties. 

Just outside of Williamsburg, in Lightfoot, you can visit Go-Karts Plus, a family fun park for all ages.  Take a ride in a super stockcar and race around a figure eight, slick or rookie track; splash and spin on the blasterboats and take a knock about in the bumper cars; visit the arcade which features the latest video games; or test your putting skills in a game of miniature golf.  Be courageous and ride the park's thrilling, spinning attraction from Italy, the Disk'O!  Just down the road from Go-Karts Plus is a local shopping favorite - the Williamsburg Pottery.  Offering an unusual and extensive shopping experience, the Pottery encompasses 200 acres of factory stores and outlets, with items including china, baskets, glassware, wine, plants, specialty foods and much more!

West of Williamsburg on Route 5 are the famous James River Plantations.  Berkeley Plantation was the site of the first observed Thanksgiving in 1619 and is considered the most historic plantation in Virginia.  Built in the 1730s, Sherwood Forest Plantation was President John Tyler's home from 1842 until his death in 1861.  President Tyler's grandson and family still live there today. 

East of Williamsburg in Newport News is the Virginia Living Museum which features the state's furry, feathery and slithery residents all living in natural habitat settings, both indoors and outdoors.  The museum also contains native botanical gardens, aquarium exhibits, natural history, a planetarium and conservatory.  The Mariners' Museum is one of the largest maritime history museums in the world and is home to the USS Monitor Center.  Immerse yourself in the age of exploration and learn all about sea life from the museum's maritime artifacts, old and new navigational instruments, hand crafted ship models, photographs and paintings.

These are just a few of the many reasons behind Williamsburg's lasting popularity.  The variety of attractions, shopping, entertainment, accommodations and dining make Williamsburg the perfect vacation destination for any group, family or individual!  

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