Colonial Willamsburg

Capital Building

We headed off to Colonial Williamsburg to head back into the 18^th century during the years just before the revolution. Most of the major buildings were rebuilt in the 1930’s on the foundations of the original buildings, but several of the houses are original. We spent most of the day here, and probably should have spent 2 days. In every building, people either explained the story behind the family that lived there or recreated the trade that was practiced in that building. The Capitol building is an H shape. On one side was the House of Burgesses, who were elected by the people. On the other side on the top floor was the Governor and his advisors appointed by the crown in the upper chamber. The governor and his advisors also acted as the executive branch and the judicial branch. Legislation had to pass both houses. In the bar of the H was the committee room for negotiations when the two houses didn’t agree. All legislation had to also be approved by the governor and the King of England to become law. The Judicial chamber was below the governor’s room. All felony offenses were tried here. At least 5 of the governor’s cabinet had to sit at trial. In front of them was the bar which separated the prisoner who “stood trial” there. Meanwhile the lawyers could “pass the bar” and sit in front of the judges. And, of course, witnesses took “the stand”.

Baby's Corset

We visited many of the trades: carpenters, silver smith, millinery, apothecary, the book binder, and the coffee house. Our most interesting house was Peyton Reynolds, who served as a burgess, and President of the Continental Congress. This was a large luxury house: lots of wood paneling, glass windows, paintings, and linen. A unique item was in the kitchen – an automatic spit, called a clock jack, invented by Leonardo Di Vinci which used a weight to turn the spit.

Then the lightning storm and a pouring rain began as we were waiting to enter the Courthouse. We eventually gave up so that we could tour the Governor’s Palace. The house was meant to impress – the main hall is filled with swords, pistols, and rifles, which could be removed from the walls in less than an hour if needed. It also had the usual parlor and meeting rooms, but also had private spaces for the governor and his wife. Finally, they had a dining room and a hall for dancing. We heard the story of how the last royally appointed governor left in a hurry after he tried removing all of the gun powder from the armory. A revolt almost started, but was calmed down, but then the people heard that the king had ordered the same thing to be done in each of the colonies.

Entrance into Governor's Palace