How did the restoration of Williamsburg begin?
In 1926, the Rev. Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, approached John D. Rockefeller Jr. about restoring the sleepy village of his ministry to its colonial past. Rockefeller proceeded cautiously at first, investing in Goodwin’s vision one property at a time. To maintain his anonymity, Rockefeller authorized the purchase of the first property, the Ludwell-Paradise House, on Dec. 7, 1926 in a telegram signed “David’s father,” referring to his engaging young son David, whom Dr. Goodwin had previously met. Rockefeller’s enthusiasm soon grew to match Goodwin’s. Guided by his goal to provide an opportunity to educate future Americans about the patriotism and purpose of the past, Rockefeller supported and financed Williamsburg’s restoration until his death in 1960. The restored 301 — acre Historic Area consists of 88 original buildings and hundreds of other homes, shops, public buildings, and additional structures that have been reconstructed – most on their original foundatio
