With so many historical buildings to visit in Colonial Williamsburg, many lesser-known ones may or not be included during a guided tour. Even if you organize your own list of sites, there are defnately some places not to be missed.

One of the most interesting structures is the Benjamin Powell House. When this house was erected in 1763, building contractors such as Powell were known as ‘undertakers.’ Following restoration, more interactive opportunities were made part of the tour heightening the interest of both children and adults, such as clay marble shooting games and writing using ink and a quill pen.

Among many structures built by Powell is the steeple of Bruton Parish Church around 1660. This church has been in active service to those of the Episcopal faith for over 300 years. Well-known visitors during colonial times were Jefferson, Washington, Patrick Henry and the father of Robert E. Lee. Early Virginia governor, Francis Fauquier is interred beneath the sanctuary floor.

Another interesting home to visit is James Semple House. The architect for this home, constructed in 1770, was Thomas Jefferson. A notable boyhood resident of home was John Tyler who was a family relation.

Peyton Randolph House was the home of the 1st Continental Congress President. Aside from notable guests such as Lafayette and George Washington, the house is said to be haunted by former guests and residents. Accounts are that an orphan soldier from the Civil War died there and has been sensed walking though the house in the dark of night.

A more modern attraction in Williamsburg is Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum housing some 350 exhibits in 11 different settings. Among the artifacts are a portion of the Berlin Wall, a 500lb gorilla constructed from nails, a cow with two heads and a shrunken human head.

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