Warhill Sports Complex – Historical Attractions

Warhill Sports Complex in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a dynamic venue prepared to host almost any sporting event. It features multiple baseball diamonds, natural grass soccer fields, three basketball courts, and six all-purpose turf fields. In addition, Warhill Sports Complex is near a nationally celebrated, historic destination: Colonial Williamsburg.

Williamsburg was the center of politics, education, and culture in 18th-century Virginia. Founding fathers such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison all called Williamsburg home. The area is filled with historic destinations, many of which are close to Warhill Sports Complex. This makes Colonial Williamsburg a great destination for your team.

Governor’s Palace

The Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg housed the governor of Virginia, even before the British colonies achieved statehood. Its most famous resident was Thomas Jefferson, who served as the governor of Virginia after the Revolutionary War. In its heyday, the Governor’s Palace was one of the most opulent homes in Williamsburg and hosted many prestigious social events.

Visitors can tour the Governor’s Palace, carefully restored to reflect its former grandeur. The guides are well-versed on the history of the palace and can answer any questions guests may have. In addition, the impressive gardens surrounding the palace have been meticulously cared for. This makes the Governor’s Palace impressive both inside and out. All the while, Warhill Sports Complex is just 20 minutes away.

Everard House

The Everard House, located next door to the Governor’s Palace, is one of the oldest homes in Colonial Williamsburg. It was built in 1718, making it over 300 years old. The original owner, Thomas Everard, immigrated to the United States from London as a penniless orphan. Over the course of his life, he worked to become a prominent community member, and eventually the mayor of Williamsburg.

In the late 1940s, the Everard House was completely restored to best reflect its original appearance. The home and contains antique furnishings from the time as well as traditional decorations. While construction crews were excavating the property, they found original brick pavement around the yard. The crew preserved this pavement, and visitors can admire it to this day. The property also features an original kitchen and smokehouse that visitors can explore.

Capitol

The Capitol building in Colonial Williamsburg served as the hub of the Virginia government for almost a century. Political debates and legislative decisions took place inside, as well as dances, dinners, and other social events.

One of the most important occurrences in the building was when colonial Virginia became the first state to call for American independence. The government of Virginia last used Capitol in December of 1779, when they chose Richmond as the state’s next capital city. Afterwards, the Capitol served as a law school, military hospital, and a grammar school.

The current building is actually the third structure that has stood there, as fires repeatedly destroyed the others. Inside, visitors learn about the government of colonial Virginia and the role it played during the Revolutionary War. Young athletes will especially love the performances and recreations of court cases, such as the “Cry Witch” mock trial. Your team can participate in one of these events by taking the 19-minute drive to the Capitol building.

Peyton Randolph House

20 minutes from Warhill Sports Complex is the Peyton Randolph House. This outstanding red structure is one of the oldest houses in Colonial Williamsburg, dating back to 1715. The original homeowner, Peyton Randolph, was a lawyer, a public official, and an outspoken advocate for the United States’s freedom from England. He lived in the house until his death in 1775.

Historians expertly recreated the Peyton Randolph House to provide guests an experience that’s as authentic as possible. In addition to its realistic atmosphere, the home provides an honest and, at times, unsettling view into 18th-century life. Instead of focusing solely on the colonists, the  tour brings the contrasting experience of slaves to the forefront. For this reason, it’s considered by many to be a must-visit destination.

Courthouse

Williamsburg’s Courthouse was once the center of the community and the site of numerous historic events. When the Declaration of Independence was drafted, local judge Benjamin Waller read a copy of it from the steps of the Courthouse. The Confederate army used it as a hospital after the Battle of Williamsburg, and local Patriots announced the end of the Revolutionary War at the Courthouse.

The building itself is unlike any other in the area due to its lack of columns. Many still wonder why the architect made this unusual design choice. But because the architect’s identity is now unknown, the reason will continue to remain a mystery.

In 1989, the Courthouse underwent a major restoration to reflect its original 18th-century appearance. The builders used colonial methods and tools to make the final result as authentic as possible. Since the Courthouse’s reopening, it has grown from a museum to a full-fledged interactive experience. Visitors participate in recreations of historic trials and play any role from the audience, to a juror, to the defendant.

George Wythe House

George Wythe was a prominent attorney, America’s first law professor, a Williamsburg mayor, and Virginia’s first signer of the Declaration of Independence. His elegant home has assumed various important roles throughout the years. Right before the Battle of Yorktown, George Washington used the George Wythe House as his headquarters. After the battle, the home served as headquarters for French General Rochambeau. Lastly, in 1776, then-Virginia General Assembly delegate Thomas Jefferson and his family stayed in the George Wythe House.

While touring the home, visitors will meet reenactors of important historical figures as well as their slaves, who both share their stories. Inside, visitors can see the law library where George Wythe conducted his legal business. Meanwhile, the property outside features a stable and a chicken coop, among other structures. There is also an original, working kitchen where you can find chefs cooking up meals year-round.

To experience the George Wythe House, take a 20-minute drive from Warhill Sports Complex.

Great Hopes Plantation

Great Hopes Plantation is not an original plantation, but a recreation based on 18th century farms. The creators researched the landscape, buildings, and animals of surrounding farms in depth to ensure Great Hopes Plantation was as accurate as possible.

Guests can take a self-guided tour around the grounds and read informative signs explaining the significance of each site. Great Hope Plantation also includes a kitchen, smokehouse, cornhouse, and tobacco house. There is a log house where the slaves would live and a small three-room home for the planter. A visit to Great Hopes Plantation is a step back in time and a quintessential Colonial Williamsburg experience.

After your visit to Warhill Sports Complex, try to make some time to experience what life was like in Colonial Williamsburg. Your entire team can follow in the footsteps of founding fathers and take part in recreations of history. This city is a must-see for any history lover!