Williamsburg, VA Was Founded in 1632 As Fortification Against Indian Attack

In 2032, Williamsburg, VA will be 400 years old. Currently a town of about 15,000, it was founded in 1632 as Middle Plantation by Jamestown, VA’s English settlers, just 2.5 miles north of the first English settlement in North America. It was incorporated in 1722, which is believed to be the oldest chartered town in the U.S.

Schoolchildren are taught that a British colony at Jamestown, VA, established in 1607, was the first successful settlement of English-speaking people in North America.

Jamestown residents were looking to build a line of defense during early conflicts with Native Americans. Williamsburg was located on high ground between two creeks that drained into the James and York Rivers and provided a palisade or fortification across the Virginia peninsula. It was the English settlers’ second colonial capital after Jamestown, which was settled in 1607.

Jamestown residents had considered building a fortification up from their settlement as early as 1611, but delayed