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For Military History Buffs

See America’s biggest collection of 18th-century British military firearms, the Gunsmith Shop and then take aim for yourself at the Educational Musket Range.

Magazine

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.

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Lock, Stock, and Barrel

Lock, Stock, and Barrel

This exhibition is an outstanding display of military and civilian weapons exploring muzzle-loading firearms, ignition systems, and the evolution of the standing British infantry musket before 1800.

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The Necessity of Order in Battle

  • Magazine Yard
  • 4:20 PM - 4:40 PM
  • Included with Admission

Building Detectives

  • Robert Carter House
  • 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
  • Admission Ticket Required
  • Free Reservation Required

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.

Foundry

The Geddys were a talented family. They included gunsmiths, cutlers, founders, and silversmiths among their number. On the spot where they lived and worked, watch founders cast and finish buckles, knobs, bells, spoons, and other objects in bronze, brass, pewter, and silver.

Gunsmith Shop

The work of a colonial gunsmith united many skills, from forging iron to working wood. A careful eye and steady hand ensured each firearm would work as expected once assembled. Today, our gunsmiths use the tools and techniques of their 19th-century predecessors to make rifles, pistols, and fowling pieces.


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

Ax Throwing

  • Ax Range
  • 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
  • Separate Ticket Required

Colonial Williamsburg Escape Room: Escape The King

  • Raleigh Tavern
  • 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Separate Ticket Required

Fire a Flintlock Musket

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

Renegade Tours

  • Lumber House Ticket Office
  • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Admission Ticket Required
  • 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.