Colonial Williamsburg: The Story: From the Colonial Era to the Restoration

by Edward G. Lengel

It was in Williamsburg, Virginia, that American independence―and democracy―took root. And it is in the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg that millions have learned about the continuing relevance of America’s founding ideas. Spanning nearly five centuries, The Story chronicles the town from its colonial origins through its days as the capital of England’s largest colony and then as the center of revolutionary ideas and ferment. The book also covers the town’s decline after the revolution and its restoration in the twentieth century to the present. The book’s illustrations are drawn from the incomparable collections of Colonial Williamsburg’s museums and library, and the book highlights the continuing research by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation on the town’s history, its buildings, and its archaeology. The Story includes familiar figures, such as Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George and Martha Washington. But it also highlights lesser known figures, including the enslaved preacher Gowan Pamphlet and the printer Clementina Rind. All these men and women―black, white, and Native American, enslaved and free―played their parts in shaping the nation. Distributed for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Genres: Nonfiction, History

160 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2020

About the author

This author uses NO AI in writing, editing, research, or communications. I'm an independent historian, hiker, and voracious reader. As an author, I'm delighted to have reached the stage where I can write purely for personal enjoyment and interest, as my forthcoming works will attest!

Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

How you rate this depends on what you're looking to get out of it. I didn't actually choose to read this and wouldn't have. If you're looking for factual information to educate yourself or maybe write a report for high school, this is your book. If you're a tourist looking to increase your interest in Williamsburg, this is not your book.

The book covers a lot of good information starting with the beginning of the colonial period through the revolution, extending through the Civil War, and, later, the restoration of the historic town. The focus is colonial history, but it includes the impact of events on Native Americans, blacks, and enslaved people. There are photographs of historic documents and artifacts, as well as paintings from the time. It is definitely informative.

However, my impression is that this book was written with the intent of being sold in Williamsburg souvenir shops to get people interested and excited about what they've seen in the historic park. If that's the case, the book is a fail. It reads like a textbook, and it truly couldn't be more dull. I had a terrible time paying attention and keeping myself awake while reading it. It felt like a battle. I was so bored reading this. It's not that the time period was boring, but it was presented in such a dry way. I felt no wonder or curiosity, and now I have no desire to read anything further about the history of the area. If you're a lay person to history with a mild interest (vs a passionate or academic interest) in Williamsburg, I do not recommend starting with this book. I give it a 5 for covering facts in a relatively short volume and a 1 for making readers interested.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book following my first visit to Williamsburg; there is SO much to see and take in during three days on the premises! I have gone through a book on the restoration of the city and this book is an overview of the city from it's beginnings until now ... amazing! I have another visit coming up soon and the reading is making the anticipation of the second trip even more exciting than the first! A very precise and accessible story of this historical city.