The Development of Williamsburg A Timeline 17th Century 1607—English colonists arrive in the area, found Jamestown 1619—first Africans are brought to area 1620s—the locale that would become Williamsburg starts to be settled by English 1693—College of William & Mary is founded 1699—Williamsburg is founded as Virginia colony’s capital city (replacing Jamestown)

The Development of Williamsburg A Timeline 18th Century Williamsburg thrives as a “city”—a center of commerce and culture; population 50% Black, 50% white 1780—Thomas Jefferson moves the state capital to Richmond (founded 1742) Williamsburg—which isn’t a port and doesn’t have significant natural resources—stops developing

The Development of Williamsburg A Timeline 19th Century 1860s—Williamsburg is damaged in the Civil War 1881—rail road comes through town 1889—Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities preserves the Powder Magazine in central Williamsburg