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Military History Buffs

Explore our city on the verge of revolution and meet the men and women who helped make America.

 

Visit Historic Sites

Magazine

Listen to the stories of British and American military forces in Virginia as you explore the site where military equipment was stored. This building was constructed in 1715 as storage for the arms and ammunition dispatched from London for the defense of the colony. Just before the Revolution, it was the scene of a famous confrontation between Williamsburg residents and the royal governor, when his soldiers absconded with the colony's gunpowder.

Public Gaol

Thieves, runaway slaves, debtors, and political prisoners once paced the cells of the Public Gaol as they waited to be tried - or hanged. Perhaps its most notorious inmates were several pirates who had served under Blackbeard and were captured with him in 1718. Self-guided exploration of the cells where prisoners were held as they awaited trial and punishment.

Capitol

What are the founding principles of American democracy? Discover how Virginia’s colonial leaders first declared independence from Great Britain and established, or restricted the rights of the people.

Meet our Tradespeople

Foundry

Explore the workplace of the Geddys, a prosperous trade family. Watch founders cast and finish buckles, knobs, bells, spoons, and other objects in bronze, brass, pewter, and silver.

Gunsmith Shop

See how our gunsmiths make rifles, pistols, and fowling pieces using the tools and techniques of their 18th-century predecessors and uniting many skills from forging iron to working wood. 

Anderson Blacksmith Shop and Public Armoury

The Revolutionary War wasn't won through battles alone. To keep pace with the might of British industry, Virginia desperately needed a new armoury. Watch our blacksmiths take red-hot iron from the fires of their forges and hammer it into a variety of tools, hardware, and weapons.

Learn More

The capitol Police

George III’s Battle to Save an Empire

Revolutionary Rupture

Aiming for Versatility

“To Arm against an Enemy”

Weapons of the Revolutionary War

“To Arm against an Enemy”: Weapons of the Revolution

Colonial Williamsburg’s extensive collection of military weaponry will illustrate the arming of American, British, French, and Hessian troops during the War for Independence. During the first half of the 18th century, firearms in the colonies were a mix of the obsolete, the old and the odd.

Liberty Lounge

Enjoy a special respite place in the Historic Area dedicated to ticketed active duty, veteran, and retired military and their families.

See our exclusive military discounts here

Related Events

Fire a Flintlock Musket

  • Williamsburg Lodge
  • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Separate Ticket Required

The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

The distinctive collections of the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum are located under one roof.

EVENING PROGRAMS

The fun doesn't end just because the sun sets. Whether you're looking for some drama or to be spooked, there's something to entertain you.

Dine With Us

With a mixture of restaurants, bars, lounges, and cafés located in and around the Historic Area, you’ll find the perfect place for a historically-inspired family meal or an intimate evening of creative cuisine.