The Virginia capital was moved from Jamestown to Williamsburg in 1699 and was the next stop on our historic triangle tour. Today’s Williamsburg is a living history museum. Vistors go back in time to colonial days to participate in daily life as it would have been for the colonists. Structures have been faithfully redeemed or rebuilt and the colonists interact with guests as they move through their day performing work necessary for a thriving community. In Williamsburg, we became part of the colony and learned the essential laws and crafts of the time. On any given day we might learn the intricacies of early bookmaking, gardening, shopkeeping, iron working, and the like.

Ventures involving non-perishable goods were always a point of contention between the colony and the motherland. Many ventures were limited by the colony’s dependence on England. Non-perishable goods were often brought from the motherland, but broken items and scraps provided the beginnings of colony-created items. From this meager monetary foundation, one could glean the first wavering glimpses of the quest for independence.

Still, skilled colonists were critical to the success of the community. Skills and trades sustained the entire community, although the wealthiest residents had a distinct advantage. Wealthy residents could afford the best, receive expedited services and obtain private services from servants or slaves. Indeed, there was a thriving ‘pecking order’ in Williamsburg. Wealthy residents were privileged, with better access and more freedoms. Women had their ‘place’ and slavery was not only acceptable but prized. In many ways, we still struggle with the darker aspects of our past.

Ultimately, Williamsburg is a study in contrasts, a place with darkness and light, good and bad.  It is a place with much to say and even more to contemplate. Williamsburg gave us the foundation for our democracy and, in the end, our call to action.