The War for Independence in Williamsburg

The War for Independence transformed Williamsburg forever. Its people saw up close the making of the new nation through wartime industries such as the making of cannon in the new Public Armoury, the weaknesses of that state through its failure to keep the economy from collapsing, and the possibility that America might not survive when British and Loyalist troops regained control of the town in 1781. By then, however, the exigencies of war had torn the heart out of Williamsburg when the capital was moved to Richmond in April 1780. Nevertheless, Williamsburg continued to represent freedom and liberty for many, free and enslaved, especially when French and American forces gathered in the city on September 26, 1781, and began their march to Yorktown-and victory-on September 28.