The Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg, Virginia – Early American Architecture

A large Governor's Palace with people walking around it.

Visitors flock to the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg, Virginia every year. This building is a grand example of Early American Architecture.  Usually, this style is called Colonial. Also, you may hear the term Colonial Revival.

A large Governor's Palace with people walking around it.
Of course, the Colonials loved symmetry in design. (mapio.net)

The King of England had the palace built in 1703. In fact, the Governor both lived and worked here. Indeed, it was where he entertained visitors and dignitaries.

Indeed, a palace it is. The three story building housed the governor and his family. Also, the staff lived on site.

You enter into a grand hallway. However, it has an interesting twist. This area was also a stocked armory. Swords and muskets artfully hang on the wall. Of course, these weapons were ready to defend the palace.

A Governor's Palace featuring an ornate room with wood paneling and a fireplace.
Indeed, you enter into an armory. (history.org)
The Governor's Palace hallway with wooden doors and a checkered floor.
Swords grace the foyer. (architecturerevived.com)
A Governor's Palace door adorned with a sword.
Swords serve as accessories. (campmartintravel.com)

In fact, the Governor was required to entertain. Therefore, the palace features a grand ball room. Also, note the portraits on the wall. These feature King George II and Queen Charlotte. Of course, they ruled England during the era.

A Governor's Palace room with blue walls.
Visitors danced in the ballroom. (gardenweb.com)

In addition, the Governor fed his guests. They installed heavy drapes. This is because drapes closed against the summer sun or winter chill. Also, the original table was large enough to seat large parties.

A room with a table and chairs in the Governor's Palace.
Also, they feasted on local fare. (terapeak.com)

Of course, they built a large kitchen. For the era, this was high-end.

A woman sits in front of a fire in a Governor's Palace kitchen.
Indeed, the staff cooked in a large kitchen. (terapeak.com)

Indeed, the king built this palace as a statement. This was to impress the entire world. It spoke of wealth of the English Empire. In fact, every single room is intentionally grand.

Finally, I am sharing the photos below. They show the traditional layout of the Governor’s Palace.

A diagram showing the structure of a business modeled after Governor's Palace.
The first floor
A floor plan of the Governor's Palace.
The second floor
The floor plan of the Governor's Palace house.
The third floor.
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