Capitol

The Capitol
Trial at The Capitol

Colonial Law and Order

A felony trial in the General Court of the Capitol.

Trial of the Virginia Witch

Cry Witch

You are the jury in this candlelit inquiry into the charges of witchcraft.

Step into the tumultuous year of 1776

Explore the Capitol building of Virginia. Feel the tension mounting between the people and the monarchy and gain new insight into the importance of the written word in the colony’s Declaration of Rights.

Learn about the founding principles of our government and your rights and responsibilities as citizens of a new republic.

For 80 years, Williamsburg was the political center of Virginia, one of England’s largest, wealthiest, and most populous colonies. Here laws and justice were made and administered on behalf of all colonial Virginians. At the Capitol, the General Assembly debated and framed legislation and the courts dispensed justice.

Learn more about The Capitol on History.org Go
Schedule of
Operation:

Hours effective through
June 16, 2013
Mon.: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tues.: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wed.: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thurs.: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fri.: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sat.: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sun.: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Ticket Required?
check Yes
ticketCW Admission
About this Historic Site: placeholder Walking Tour

Upcoming Events at the Capitol Events

May 27
7:00 PM
Courage or Cowardice
Become a member of the court in this reenactment based on an actual court of inquiry in 1779. A Virginia officer took his men and abandoned his post in the face of a British attack, leaving the town of Portsmouth and the surrounding area defenseless. Because of his actions, the British caused significant damage. Did he act correctly? Was he a coward--or worse yet--a traitor? Hear the evidence, question the witnesses, and cast your vote.
May 27
8:30 PM
Courage or Cowardice
Become a member of the court in this reenactment based on an actual court of inquiry in 1779. A Virginia officer took his men and abandoned his post in the face of a British attack, leaving the town of Portsmouth and the surrounding area defenseless. Because of his actions, the British caused significant damage. Did he act correctly? Was he a coward--or worse yet--a traitor? Hear the evidence, question the witnesses, and cast your vote.
May 28
7:30 PM
Cry Witch
You are the jury in this candlelit inquiry into the charges of witchcraft brought against Grace Sherwood in 1706. Ask questions of the witnesses, weigh the evidence, and determine the guilt or innocense of "the Virginia Witch." Not appropriate for young children due to subject matter and intense emotion. $18
May 28
9:00 PM
Cry Witch
You are the jury in this candlelit inquiry into the charges of witchcraft brought against Grace Sherwood in 1706. Ask questions of the witnesses, weigh the evidence, and determine the guilt or innocense of "the Virginia Witch." Not appropriate for young children due to subject matter and intense emotion. $18

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Handicap Accessibility

First floor accessible.

Wheelchair lift (500 lb. limit, including occupant) located at the south entrance.

A graded entrance at south gate; four steps to piazza, no railing; no steps from portico into building.

Pictorial interpretations are available.