Powder Magazine, Exterior
Dublin Core
Title
Powder Magazine, Exterior
Subject
Powder Magazine (Williamsburg, Va.)
Block 12. Building 09.
Powder Magazines - Virginia - Williamsburg
Historic Buildings - Virginia - Williamsburg
Public Buildings - Virginia - Williamsburg
Description
Exterior of the Powder Magazine, viewed from southeast looking toward the building's entrance, 1935. Among Williamsburg's original eighteenth-century buildings, the octagonal Powder Magazine has taken on many different functions over time. Constructed in 1715 under the orders of Governor Spotswood, the Magazine was used as a secure storage site for arms, ammunition, and military equipment sent by Queen Anne for protection of the colony. The surrounding wall was added during the French and Indian War for added security.
The Magazine reprised its role during the Civil War, when Confederate soldiers again stored gunpowder inside. In the late nineteenth century, town residents re-purposed the building for use as a market house, Baptist church, dancing school, and livery stable. Efforts by the A.P.V.A. to protect the historic structure led to its preservation as an early tourist attraction in Williamsburg prior to the birth of Colonial Williamsburg.
The Magazine reprised its role during the Civil War, when Confederate soldiers again stored gunpowder inside. In the late nineteenth century, town residents re-purposed the building for use as a market house, Baptist church, dancing school, and livery stable. Efforts by the A.P.V.A. to protect the historic structure led to its preservation as an early tourist attraction in Williamsburg prior to the birth of Colonial Williamsburg.
Creator
Lincoln, F.S.
Date
1935
Date Created
1935
Rights
This material is protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). For reproduction queries: Rights and reproductions
Format
jpeg
Type
Image
Identifier
LC354P1
Rights Holder
Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Gelatin or collodian printing out paper with platinum toning, mounted on board.
Physical Dimensions
8x10 inches
Collection
Citation
Lincoln, F.S., “Powder Magazine, Exterior,” John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, accessed April 26, 2024, https://rocklib.omeka.net/items/show/279.