In May of 1775, standing here in the Williamsburg capitol building, Patrick Henry famously denounced the Stamp Act, likening King George to the tyrant Julius Caesar, hurling defiance at the English Parliament, and rebuffing the conservative opposition by saying, "If this be treason, make the most of it." It was the impulse that set the ball of the American Revolution in motion.
One year later, in May of 1776, the Virginia Convention met in this same building and unanimously proposed that the Continental Congress "declare the United Colonies free and independent states." The next month, the Virginia Convention approved George Mason's Declaration of Rights and adopted the first constitution for the new Commonwealth of Virginia.
For 75 years, Williamsburg made history as the seat of Virginia colonial government. Today, Colonial Williamsburg stands as a living history museum described by different members of the choir as "Disneyland for historians" and "Nauvoo on steroids."
The historic district interprets a colonial American city with dozens of restored or re-created buildings peopled by period-costumed artisans and craftsmen who demonstrate their art and artifacts. History comes to life in Colonial Williamsburg, and our visit has given us a deeper appreciation for the diversity, aspirations, and struggles that shaped America.
