The original building was the first structure in the North American colonies to be officially called a 'Capitol'.
The floor plan was specifically designed to mirror the structure of the English Parliament, separating the House of Burgesses from the Governor's Council.
The building was constructed using bricks handmade locally and transported to the site via ox carts.
In 1776, the Virginia Convention met here to adopt the Virginia Declaration of Rights and instruct their delegates to propose American independence.
During the 18th century, the building also housed the colony's General Court, where high-stakes criminal trials occurred.
The H-shape architecture was chosen to encourage debate by physically isolating the two chambers while connecting them with a central gallery.
The Capitol in Williamsburg served as the meeting place for the Virginia General Assembly from 1705 until 1780. The current structure is a reconstruction of the 1705 building, which burned down in 1747, and the subsequent 1753 replacement. It functioned as the legislative heart of the Virginia colony, housing the House of Burgesses and the General Court. Inside, visitors find the chambers where political figures like Patrick Henry debated colonial policies. The building features an H-shaped floor plan designed to separate the two legislative houses. It represents the transition of Virginia's capital from Jamestown to Williamsburg. The site is a central component of the Colonial Williamsburg living history museum.
From the center of Duke of Gloucester Street looking east to capture the full symmetrical facade.
Check the daily program schedule upon arrival for specific reenactment times inside the chambers.
Visit during mid-week to avoid the peak weekend crowds that can pack the narrow hallways.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the building's historic uneven floorboards can be taxing.
Do not skip the interpretive presentations by the historical staff, as they provide the essential context for the empty rooms.
Operates daily as part of the Colonial Williamsburg museum; check for seasonal evening programming.
Maintain a quiet tone inside the chambers to respect the historical context; photography is allowed without flash.
