Old Powder Magazine, Williamsburgh, Va.
Dublin Core
Title
Old Powder Magazine, Williamsburgh, Va.
Subject
Powder Magazine (Williamsburg, Va.)
Albumen prints
Centennial Photographic Company
Block 12. Building 09.
Historic buildings - Virginia - Williamsburg
Description
The Powder Magazine, another extant colonial building, stood in dilapidated condition by 1870. It was constructed in 1715 to store the arms and ammunition sent for protection of the colony by Queen Anne. This view, looking southeast, shows the building's entrance. Following the Revolution, it became a multi-purpose structure in the town's central Market Square with uses ranging from a Baptist meeting house to a dancing school, and even a livery stable.
Just prior to the Civil War, it served as a market house where town residents could gather to exchange produce, eggs, and meat. Confederate forces used it as an arsenal, while Union soldiers in turn housed Confederate prisoners inside it after the Battle of Williamsburg.
In 1899, the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities acquired the building and commenced efforts to restore the structure. By the late 1890s, it had become a tourist attraction and one of the first shrines commemorating the town's colonial past.
Just prior to the Civil War, it served as a market house where town residents could gather to exchange produce, eggs, and meat. Confederate forces used it as an arsenal, while Union soldiers in turn housed Confederate prisoners inside it after the Battle of Williamsburg.
In 1899, the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities acquired the building and commenced efforts to restore the structure. By the late 1890s, it had become a tourist attraction and one of the first shrines commemorating the town's colonial past.
Creator
Centennial Photographic Company
Date
ca.1875
Rights
This material is protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). For reproduction queries: Rights and reproductions
Is Part Of
Albumen Print Collection, MS2005.16
Format
jpeg
Type
image
Identifier
D2014-SC-0004
Rights Holder
Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Albumen print on board
Physical Dimensions
11 x 14 inches
Citation
Centennial Photographic Company, “Old Powder Magazine, Williamsburgh, Va.,” John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, accessed March 29, 2024, https://rocklib.omeka.net/items/show/511.