Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
1854 - Williamsburg

Williamsburg, a city, capital of James City county, Virginia, CO miles E. from Richmond, and 08 miles N. W. from Norfolk. It is situated on a level plain between James and York rivers, 6 miles from each. It is the oldest incorporated town in the state, and is interesting in historic associations. It was the seat of the royal government previous to the Revolution, and afterwards capital of the state until 1779. William and Mary College, founded at this place in 1092, is the oldest literary institution in the Union, excepting Harvard University, and is nt present in a flourishing condition. The library contains about 6000 volumes, and the students in attendance generally number from 100 to 150. Williamsburg is the seat of the Eastern Lunatic Asylum, which stands deservedly high for its neatness, order, and comfortable accommodations. It has about 200 patients, and a handsome edifice, with all the modern improvements in arrangement. The town contains 3 churches, Episcopalian, Baptist, and Methodist. First settled in 1632. Population, estimated at 1600.

A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

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