The focal property at Colonial Williamsburg is, of course, Duke of Gloucester, the mile-long main street that runs the length of the historic district. There is no motorized, modern traffic on this street, but unfortunately, visitors can still hear traffic noise from adjacent thoroughfares. Outside of that, fortunately, there are many things to distract one from the 21st Century.
The buildings here are originals or reproductions of 18th Century glory. These taverns, trades shops, and houses are authentic in every manner possible.
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The Ludwell-Paradise House (below left) was the first to be restored.
Nearby is the courthouse (brick building below right) and the stocks (also below right, with the Peyton Randolph House in the background).
Nearby is the courthouse (brick building below right) and the stocks (also below right, with the Peyton Randolph House in the background).
  | There is a specific air of authenticity in this space, and yet, I cannot imagine it during its heyday. I have to wonder how manicured the lawns and gardens were in the 1700s. I wonder how clean these things were when they were originally in use. How did this place smell? What did it sound like? I know it did not have pavement down the center. In fact, many people still remember when the street was gravel and before that, dirt. Those modifications have probably saved some of the cleaning from dust and mud. |
Still, there are layers of seashells in the gardens and some sidewalks. These demonstrate the original methods of using the shells to walk on. I thought the shells would crunch and break, but they are surprisingly resilient.
Some of these structures are also privately owned and lived in as residences. They are certainly beautiful, but this is probably the strictest HOA in the country. While I would love to own a piece of the 18th Century, I don't think I would feel comfortable being on display.
Some of these structures are also privately owned and lived in as residences. They are certainly beautiful, but this is probably the strictest HOA in the country. While I would love to own a piece of the 18th Century, I don't think I would feel comfortable being on display.
It's interesting to me that there could be crowds of people on Duke of Gloucester, but if timed correctly, photos could still be taken without the pollution of 21st Century images. One of my favorite things to do is photograph angles and focus lines that others don't see.
