People of Williamsburg
Eighteenth century Williamsburg was a community on the brink of revolution. Learn the stories of ordinary people during extraordinary times.
People You May Know
Stories from the Virginia Gazette
Read Their Stories
Voices in the Community
Gowan Pamphlet
An enslaved tavern worker, Gowan Pamphlet risked his well-being to secretly preach to fellow African American believers. He founded Williamsburg’s First Baptist Church, which continues to this day.
Ann Wager
After being widowed, Ann Wager made a living as the only teacher for the Bray School, educating enslaved and free African American children in Williamsburg for 14 years.
Peyton Randolph
Peyton Randolph was a third-generation son of a colonial dynasty. He became a pivotal figure in Virginia politics in the decades leading up to the American Revolution.
Revolutionaries
Thomas Jefferson
Author of the Declaration of American Independence and third president of the United States.
George Wythe
Teacher of some of early America’s most influential minds.
Patrick Henry
The Revolution’s most renowned orator.
Meet a Resident
Sarah Packe
An 18th-century businesswoman.
Jane Vobe
Successful Williamsburg tavernkeeper.
James McClurg
Well-known physician in Virginia and resident at Custis Square.
Robert Carter III
An unlikely emancipator.
Peter Scott
There are no portraits of Peter Scott. There is no secret diary of Peter Scott. He left behind no documents that testify to his character or beliefs. Instead, during his long career as a cabinetmaker, he built a legacy through his steady woodworking output. Across six decades, his Williamsburg shop produced an array of desks, bookcases, tables, coffins, and other furniture, some of which survive today in Colonial Williamsburg’s collections.
John Custis IV
John Custis IV was one of colonial Virginia’s wealthiest men. Over his long life, he became one of Williamsburg’s most prominent residents. But the things that enriched and empowered John Custis IV also entangled him in lengthy legal disputes, political rivalries, and a famously difficult marriage.
Learn About Williamsburg
Historic Places
300+ buildings comprise our colonial capital city. 89 of those buildings are original to the 18th-century, while the rest were carefully reconstructed based on extensive research and archaeological evidence.
Moments in History
How did ordinary people navigate a world of colonialism, slavery, and revolution? How did colonists come to defy the social order? How did they build a new one? Dig into these stories to learn more.
Preserving the Past
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation brings history to life for new generations through careful research, conservation and preservation and by providing immersive programming and authentic resources for learners, educators and researchers throughout the world.
Visit Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum. Our 301 acres feature iconic sites, working tradespeople, historic taverns, and two world-class art museums.
