1. 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)

2. 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

3. 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