Colonial Williamsburg Official Guidebook and Map

by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

This extensive guide to Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area and surroundings contains more than one hundred color photographs of the activities and attractions available in Virginia's restored colonial capital. Color-coded maps identify things to see and do and locate places to shop and dine. Building-by-building drawings help people tour easily. Short biographies about eighteenth-century inhabitants bring colonial society alive. Information about the museums and modern lodging and dining opportunities is included.

Genres: Travel, History, Nonfiction, American History, Reference, Architecture, American Revolution

110 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1951

Reviews

[Cosette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was wonderfully accessible and relevant while visiting- unfortunately, it may be overdue an update thanks to current conditions. As always, the best adventures are brought along thanks to a chance thunderstorm and a moment caught hiding from the weather with a talented guitar player wearing colonial clothing, listening to the first version of the national anthem. What a beautiful moment in time. Why didn’t I record it or even take a picture?? The 3 stars is because almost every place listed was closed, RevQuest was currently not available, and others things were required. The staff were a tad overwhelmed by these new rules also and had to double check printed messages on posted signs for updated rules.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

rereading went to Williamsburg in Nov 25

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The version I read is from 1975 and lacked a map (though map is indicated on the cover). I am not sure what happened to the map. There are line drawings of most of the buildings (black and white, not color) within the book. I would guess that there may have been some changes since 1975.

Overall, it was a good overview. I did learn things about Williamsburg that I hadn't known before. I will not retain everything I learned while reading this book, I am sure because there was so much information.

I believe this book was purchased during a family visit to Colonial Williamsburg.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A large, comprehensive guide to a place every American should visit if possible. One almost feels as if they've stepped back in time as they visit the many buildings in the "living museum complex." As parents many of us (including us) take our children to Disneyland, but Williamsburg can teach them really valuable information about our country and the lives of our early patriots. We used this invaluable guide throughout our visit.

[Susan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the third edition in preparation for my first visit there next month. I was impressed by the thorough background info and history on the buildings and restorations. Handy checklists are included along with fabulous photos of interiors, exteriors, and reenactors with visitors. Will bring the guide with me to plan. I highly recommend it!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable overview of Williamsburg that helped on our recent trip there.

[Kathryn A. Sievers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It helped us plan our visit and have us good background.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat informative but dry as a desert.

[Laurie Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly informative with pictures of the near present day interpreters.

[Diana Bustamante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed book about Williamsburg . I will take this book with me on my return visit this fall.

[Jim Short · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated, my edition is from 1998. And very pushy in the text, full of sales talk.

[Brenda Zabowsky]

I can't wait to go to Colonial Williamsburg in the fall. I found so much useful information in this guide.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered this book because we're going to Williamsburg in a couple of weeks. I know there are a lot of things to see and do there, and I wanted a guide so that we don't lose a lot of time getting our bearings once we're there.

This book is produced by the Colonial Williamsburg foundation and it's incredible. It has many photographs and an illustration of every building in Colonial Williamsburg with a couple of paragraphs on the history of the building and what you can see and do there now as well as information about the restoration process. There are multiple maps with different degrees of detail and a street by street guide to the historical city. The information in this book will be vital to our trip and make an excellent souvenir when we return.

If anyone is planning a trip to the Eastern United States or they just want a virtual trip to this historic treasure, the book was only $11 on Amazon. It's awesome!

[Alessandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 1976 version of this guidebook has a few differences from the earlier editions of this title handed out in the 1950s and 1960s.

The introduction of the edition of 1960 stressed individual liberty and integrity, self-government and individual rights -- strong democratic concepts at the height of the Cold War.

This edition, from 1976, was handed out during the nation's Bicentennial. With an eye to that fashion, it spotlights the historic mission and museum-like nature of the town and Foundation, the ahistorical compromises they had to make for hygiene and aesthetics, and the importance of research and education. At the end of this edition is a gentle request for donations and contributions, which was not in the 1960 edition.

[Terri Naughton · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, so this is just a guidebook that I picked up during my recent visit to Williamsburg. But it's a very good, very well-produced guide book that offers a lot of information about Colonial and Revolutionary history as well as the origins of the town. Biographies of Williamsburg residents who played a role in the Revolutionary conflict are also included, and the illustrations are great. I think anyone would enjoy reading this; whether or not Williamsburg is a part of their travel plans.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book during our stay at Colonial Williamsburg. I loved reading this book on the way home because I had seen the places in the book and had fond memories of my time there. It was also nice because we had a long drive back to the airport and it helped my husband and I pass the time as I relayed some of the new information to him. It would have also been useful to read this book while on property to make sure you know what there is to see and don't miss anything.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book in preparation for my trip to Colonial Williamsburg, and while I enjoyed the historical background information beforehand, I felt this volume was difficult to use as a guide while on site. The organization just didn't work well for me. Still, I don't know that there is a better Williamsburg travel guide option out there, and this was certainly better than nothing!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely use these guides when I'm in the location unless I have a lot of time. Mostly they are souvenirs I expect to read someday when I get home and I'm not traveling. I don't often read them at home but the urge is there and I'll probably read them more as I age and travel less.

[Lafcadio · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a while. I'd like to go back...

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love thinks like this. I have been to Williamsburg at least 3 times and love it every time. Its nice to have a companion book that has the best pictures and information tied to it.

[Alessandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the version of the guidebook handed out throughout the 1950s.