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Cities and Towns in Williamsburg City County, Virginia

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Founded in 1902, Williamsburg is one of 38 independent cities in the state of Virginia. Historically, Williamsburg was formed from James City County. With FIPS code of 830, Williamsburg has a population of 15,590 and area of 9 square miles (23 km²).

List of all cities in Williamsburg City County, VA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
College of William & Mary, VA 23186 757
Williamsburg, VA 23186 757
23187 757

Major Cities and Towns in Williamsburg City County, Virginia

Williamsburg City County, Virginia, is an independent city renowned for its rich colonial heritage and vibrant community. Below is an overview of Williamsburg, detailing its location, history, educational institutions, and major landmarks.

Williamsburg

  • Area: Approximately 9.1 square miles
  • Population: 15,425 (as of 2020)
  • ZIP Codes: 23185, 23186, 23187, 23188
  • Coordinates: 37.2707° N, 76.7075° W

Williamsburg is situated on the Virginia Peninsula, bordered by the James and York Rivers. Founded in 1632 as Middle Plantation, it was strategically located on high ground to avoid marshlands and mosquitoes. In 1699, the capital of the Virginia Colony moved from Jamestown to Middle Plantation, which was then renamed Williamsburg in honor of King William III. The city flourished as a political, cultural, and educational center, housing the College of William & Mary, established in 1693. Williamsburg played a pivotal role during the American Revolution, hosting significant events and figures. However, in 1780, the capital relocated to Richmond, leading to a period of decline. The 20th century saw a remarkable restoration effort, led by Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., transforming Williamsburg into a living history museum that attracts millions of visitors annually.

Major Schools

  • The College of William & Mary: The second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
  • Matthew Whaley Elementary School: Provides comprehensive education for elementary-level students, emphasizing academic excellence and community involvement.
  • Berkeley Middle School: Focuses on the developmental and educational needs of middle-grade students, offering various extracurricular activities.
  • Lafayette High School: Offers a diverse curriculum aimed at preparing students for higher education and future careers.

Major Landmarks

  • Colonial Williamsburg: A 301-acre living history museum featuring restored and reconstructed buildings from the 18th century, providing immersive experiences of colonial life.
  • Governor’s Palace: The opulent residence of Virginia’s colonial governors, showcasing period architecture and gardens.
  • Bruton Parish Church: Established in 1674, it is the oldest continually operating church in the United States, reflecting early colonial religious practices.
  • The Capitol Building: A reconstruction of Virginia’s first capitol, where significant legislative activities took place during the colonial era.
  • The Wren Building: Located on the College of William & Mary’s campus, it is the oldest academic building in continuous use in the United States.
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg: A European-themed amusement park offering a variety of rides, shows, and attractions for all ages.
  • Water Country USA: A water park featuring numerous slides, pools, and water-based attractions, popular during the summer months.

Williamsburg’s dedication to preserving its historical legacy while fostering educational and cultural growth makes it a unique and significant city in Virginia’s landscape.

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