Williamsburg, Virginia

This entry is from May 5th, 2016.

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We entered the State of Virginia on Thursday May 5th. It was raining when we crossed the state line, but stopped soon after.

Virginia

There is a Thousand Trails very near Williamsburg, VA and one a little further away in Gloucester, VA called Chesapeake Bay Thousand Trails. We decided to stay at Chesapeake Bay because the sites are larger for our rig.

Chesapeake Bay TT

In September when we were in Las Vegas, Nevada we met John and Linda Benton from Pennsylvania. They were having mechanical problems with their truck. Good Sam Extended Warranty would not cover the fix. Because of my experience with contracts at the County I was able to help them resolve the problem and get the $6,000.00 repair under warranty.  In addition while the vehicle was down they went to church with us and other places. Basically we became good friends.

John and Linda Benton

 Linda said if we ever get back east they would meet up with us again, and even host us at their home. As it turned out, we were planning this 8 month eastern trip. The Bentons met us for 11 days at Chesapeake Bay TT. John is a Civil and Revolutionary War expert so they were GREAT tour guides! Thank you soooooo much John and Linda!!!

We first went to Colonial Williamsburg.

Colonial Williamsburg

This is a restored Colonial Historical Town. Everyone dresses in period clothes and talks in the time period, although not in accents. They are not allowed cell phones and modern jewelry etc....

You can tour houses, blacksmith shops, silversmiths, bakery shops, apothecary (drug store) wood shops and so much more.
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Colonial House

They were making different types of silver items here that you could purchase.

Silver Shop

This was a coffee shop that you would have coffee or cocoa with George Washington. George kept in character through the whole time you had with him. You could ask him about his personal, professional or political life. It was kind of funny because he was sort of snobby, which I suppose was the way it was back then. After the time with George we were given a tour of the house.

Coffee with Washington

This was the Stockade or Jail building. There were chains and cuffs hanging from the wall. Apparently today's inmates have it easy! LOL.

Jail

We thought we made it out of Jail, but the law caught us! We were put in Stocks for awhile so John and Linda could laugh at us. Eventually we were found Not Guilty of all charges and released on our own recognizance!

Town Center Stocks

They fired the canon to let all know we had been set free!

Firing Canon

Probably the two most impressive artifacts at Williamsburg were the First Congressional Medal that was awarded to George Washington.

First Congressional Medal

But for me the Most amazing artifact was this hand drawn map of Ohio from George Washington. It was on loan to Williamsburg from a private collector. In 1749, at the age of 17, Washington began his career as a professional surveyor. He subsequently received a commission and surveyor's license from the College of William and Mary and became the official surveyor for the newly formed Culpeper County.

Hand Drawn Map

You could take pictures, but no flash. There were security guards keeping a close eye on this artifact!

Williamsburg was quite interesting and well worth the visit. We are starting to learn so much about our history!

Thanks for reading,

God Bless,

Brian and Patty