Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg

One year ago I was on vacation to Colonial Williamsburg. I had a wonderful time and learned an incredible amount about the Revolutionary War era from the actor/interpreters who portray the citizens of Williamsburg. You can read more about Williamsburg and learn about the real people of the town on their fabulous website at history.org. I am going to blog my journal and some photos in hopes that you will learn something as well.

Day One - May 15th

I followed around the Revolutionary Citizens programs where actor/interpreters act out the events leading up to the Revolution and Independence.

Lady Dunmore Prepares for the Ball

May 1774: Lady Dunmore and the children had just joined Lord Dunmore in Virginia in February after an absence of several years. She was expecting Mrs. John Randolph to tea and her housekeeper was working hard to make sure everything was perfect but the slave man couldn't do anything right. He made fun of the minuet was generally very silly. Lady Dunmore and Mrs. Randolph came out and had tea and discussed politics and the upcoming ball at the Capitol. After tea, Lord Dunmore and some other men came out and the Governor was very angry because the House of Burgesses (elected representatives) declared a day of fasting and prayer in response to the port of Boston being closed as punishment for the Boston tea party. The governor was angry because only the king or his representative can declare a day of fasting and prayer. The governor resolved to speak to the House of Burgesses at 3 of the clock at the Capitol.

I took a break from Revolutionary Citizens to view Shakespeare on the Green.

Shakespeare was very popular in the 18th century only it wasn't Shakespeare as we know him! They added music and singing and changed the endings to make the good characters rewarded and the bad punished. Breeches roles for women were becoming popular at that time. We were treated to a scene from Twelfth Night.

Next, a dancing lesson. English country dances were popular and they are the great-great grandmother of country square dancing. If you have seen Pride and Prejudice or other Austen adaptations, the dancing was very much the same style. There were differences in the steps, which could be varied.

Then I attended a public audience with Thomas Jefferson.

He was an excellent speaker and a really brilliant man. He had some great ideas for society based on French and English philosophers as well as Rhode Island's Roger Williams. Jefferson believed in education for all -even women and he believed in freedom for religion. He had once tried to pass a motion to abolish the slave trade, but was shot down because the Virginia economy was so rooted in slavery. There were more slaves than whites! He did not believe women should get involved in politics but be there to nurture the future generation.

At 3:15 to the Capitol. The Governor gave a speech and dissolved the House of Burgesses.

Everyone was shocked that he would do that, especially Patrick Henry. Dissolving the Burgesses took away the right of assembly for Virginians which gave Virginians the push towards Independence.

Jefferson (left), Patrick Henry (right)

Night Two

I went to another ghost tour that night. The Tavern ghost walk about the unexplained happenings some of the tavern employees have seen and heard. It was quite good and I was hoping to experience something but I never did.

Then on to the Capitol ball. While we waited for it to begin, an 18th century woman entertained us and told us a bit about etiquette. She commented on our peculiar apparel. Then we went inside and saw a silly puppet show on the British navy conquering Tahiti. Next we were led upstairs and sang some spirit lifting songs with some of the former Burgesses. Back downstairs to the other side of the Capitol, we were treated to a demonstration of some of the latest dance steps. Audience participation was requested but most people, including myself, were reluctant to try out the complicated dances!