Military Encampment Weekends

Assist soldiers of the 2nd Virginia Regiment and serve as a matross as they haul a “great gun” into position in front of the Public Magazine. Recruits will be trained in the loading and firing of a cannon, followed by a firing demonstration by the soldiers of the 2nd Virginia.

In the fall of 1775, Williamsburg’s focus shifted to war. Witness members of the newly formed 2nd Virginia Regiment train to become soldiers in the shadow of the Public Magazine, the building that sparked revolution in Virginia.

Guests of all ages will heed the call to arms and join the 2nd Virginia Regiment. Falling in at the Magazine, recruits will be briefed on the war to date before being trained to march, drill, and train in the manual exercise.

Join soldiers of the 2nd Virginia Regiment as they train in “Woods fighting” in front of the Public Magazine.

Observe the soldiers of the 2nd Virginia Regiment as they end their day with a Regimental Retreat. Witness as the men are inspected by their officers, and listen as the rolls are read and orders of the day are given.

The Magazine Guard was established in June, 1775 in order to protect and secure the vital armaments, gunpowder, and war materials kept in the Public Magazine. By the fall of 1775, this guard was manned by soldiers of the newly formed 2nd Virginia Regiment. Explore their encampment, and witness the sights and sounds of revolution as the soldiers prepare for war.

The Historic Trades and Skills community at Colonial Williamsburg uses 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in and eventually master more than 20 historic trades and skills.

Hear the stirring sounds of Revolutionary War field music, courtesy of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums.

The Historic Area recreates the atmosphere and lifestyle of Virginia’s colonial capital city, with 89 original 18th-century buildings, as well as hundreds more buildings reconstructed based on historical records and archaeological research.