Williamsburg
a city and countyseat of James City co., Va.; on the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad; 48 miles S. E. of Richmond. It was established in 1632, and is the oldest incorporated town in the State. Prior to the Revolutionary War it was the capital of the province; and was also the State capital till 1779. Williamsburg is the seat of WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE (q. v.), and the Eastern Lunatic Asylum, which was opened in 1773, and is the oldest institution of its kind in the United States. The city has other historic interests.
On May 3, 1862, when the Confederates withdrew from YORKTOWN (q. v.) they fell back to Williamsburg and erected breastworks about 2 miles E. of the city.
The Union forces under General Sumner followed, and on May 5 assaulted the Confederate position. The action lasted from early morning till night. General Hancock won the day by pretending to retreat, and then charging the pursuing enemy, who were completely routed. The total loss of the Union forces was 2,283; that reported by the Confederates, 1,560.
Pop. (1920) 2,462.