Williamsburg & Jamestown
“You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.”
John Adams in a letter addressed to his wife.
Shortly after my return from the Panama Canal cruise, my sister and brother in law asked me to join them on a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia. I unpacked, repacked and headed for an adventure with Pam and Steve.
We explored Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown giving me a greater understanding of the perilous beginnings of our wonderful United States of America.
The Colonial National Park at Jamestown illustrates the hardships of life in 1607 when 104 English settlers established a small colonial settlement. Captain John Smith help preserve the colony as it suffered from disease and starvation. The area suffered from the worst drought in 800 years, in spite of being on the St James River. In the terrible winter of 1609, called the starving time, only 60 colonists remained.
John Rolfe married Pocahontas in 1614, helping to improve Indian relations and he began to cultivate the lucrative tobacco trade. Most people arriving in Virginia had one thing in mind: buy land (or get 50 free acres for buying their own passage-called a “headright”) and plant tobacco.
For almost 100 years the people of Jamestown endured Indian attacks, attacks by Dutch warships on the British colony, civil uprisings and constant pressures of disease. In 1698 the Statehouse burned and the next year the colony’s government moved to Williamsburg.
I was moved by the beauty and peacefulness of a place that had been so difficult for so many, and the fact they persevered to provide the basis for our culture today.
Walking into the preserved town of Williamsburg is truly like walking back in time. Costumed actors represent town leaders, artisans, and colonial tradesmen. Visitors can rent costumes to stroll the pedestrian-only grounds and it was delightful to see children dressed in 18th-century attire.
From 1698 to 1780, Williamsburg was the thriving capital of Virginia where the dream of American Freedom was taking root and the fundamental aspects of our republic were being formed. Under the leadership of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Mason and other outstanding patriots that nurtured the concepts of responsible leadership, public service, self-government, and individual liberty, American Independence was born.
Near the end of the Revolutionary War, Jefferson moved the capital of Virginia inland to the safer city of Richmond. For nearly 150 years, Williamsburg was just a quiet simple college town. In 1926, Reverend Goodwin shared his dream of preserving Williamsburg with John D Rockefeller and restoration began. Otherwise the city’s historic buildings would have disappeared. Today 85% of the original area and 80 original buildings exist to represent the courage and ideals of those who helped create the American democratic system.
It is impressive to note that the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not for profit educational institution that receives no regular state or federal funding. I found the mission statement to be particularly moving, “to feed the human spirit by sharing America’s enduring story.”
We ate dinner in the 1772 King’s Arms Tavern, served by waiters in traditional dress. Eating peanut soup in candlelight after a day of reflecting on the life of the colonists made me feel blessed indeed.
In the spring of 1781, the American War of Independence entered its 7th year. British General Cornwallis moved his army into Yorktown, Virginia thinking that if Virginia could be subjugated, the rest of the states would return to British allegiance. American and French forces strategically surrounded Cornwallis by land and by sea. Two siege lines and extended bombardments forced Cornwallis to request a cease-fire.
On October 19, 1781, he formally surrendered his army. The American victory at Yorktown, the last major battle of the American Revolution, secured independence for the United States and significantly changed the course of world history.
We had a wonderful trip, learned so much and saw amazing sights. We returned very grateful for all we have and the privileges of living in this country at this time. Our appreciation is greatest for those who have served and who do serve to keep America free and independent. Thank you.