American Indians, Native Americans, and/or Indigenous peoples were a regular and frequent presence in 18th-century Williamsburg. There were local "tributary" tribes, who were considered subjects of Great Britain by the 18th century, such as the Pamunkey, Mattaponi, and Chickahominy. There were “foreign” Indian tribes who had a nation to nation relationship with Great Britain, such as the Shawnee and Cherokee, who would come to Williamsburg to discuss treaties with the Royal government of Virginia. These diverse Native nations had an influence on American culture, democracy, and its struggle for independence. The explorations of these American Indian nations and their role in our collective story then and now is essential in understanding modern American life.
Attend an Event
-
Film: Williamsburg – The Story of a Patriot
See the 1957 film, in its vibrant 70mm format, that tells the story of a Virginia planter deciding to join the patriot cause.
Open to the Public
-
Presentation: To Paint for War
Discover the warfare of the Eastern Woodlands tribes and nations and its lasting legacy in the United States.
CW Admission
-
Street Theater: Shawnee Princes Arrive in 1774
Come witness the arrival of these Shawnee “Princes” into the city and the reactions when two cultures collide.
Open to the Public
Explore Onsite
Special Events
Connect With Us
Follow Along on Facebook
Want to keep up with the American Indian Initiative at Colonial Williamsburg? Join our group on Facebook. From behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, to updates on current projects, follow along and be in the know.
Join Now
Learn More
An Educational Experiment
The Brafferton Indian School’s goals of introducing English culture and religion met resistance
FAQs with our American Indian Interpreters
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the story of American-Indian tribes in Virginia. Read on to learn more about the American-Indian community.
Crossing Paths
Increasing American Indian visibility to tell a more complete American story
American Indian Visitors
In the 18th century, America Indian delegations were a regular sight in Virginia’s colonial capitol of Williamsburg.
Warriors Stood There
Native American people made a significant contribution to US Armed Forces. Read on to learn how they served and sacrificed their lives to service.
Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 as a grassroots movement to raise awareness and show support, and it is now a federal holiday in Canada, observed on September 30th, also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Watch Videos
Listen to Podcast Episodes
Plan Your Visit
Admission Tickets
To experience all that the Historic Area has to offer, including tours of original 18th-century buildings, personal interaction with townspeople, vibrant gardens, two museums, and so much more—you’ll need an admission ticket.
Stay With Us
Enjoy Colonial Williamsburg to the fullest with a stay at one of our five unique hotel properties. They are conveniently located within and surrounding the Historic Area, just minutes from all the action.
Support The American Indian Initiative
The American Indian Initiative helps the Foundation tell a fuller, more inclusive history of Williamsburg and Colonial America by exploring and sharing the lives and viewpoints of American Indian people.
Give Now