Bluegreen Colorful Places

Williamsburg, Virginia is a great town to visit – Not only is the Bluegreen resort Patrick Henry Square found in this charming nook of the country, but the history and beauty that surrounds the area is rich and undeniable. A part of Williamsburg that is as filled with history as the Colonial section, surrounding cities such as Jamestown, and historic homes such as the Berkley Plantation, is William and Mary College. William and Mary is the second oldest college in the country. But don’t let its old age fool you, it is also a cutting-edge research university and referred to as a “Public Ivy” school. Even if you’re not looking to enroll yourself or our kids into college at this point in time, taking some time out of your Bluegreen vacation (or adding it to your itinerary) to walk around the campus and see the sights is something that will prove enjoyable.

The History of College of William and Mary

William and Mary was concepted in 1618, as historians have original plans for the campus dated as such. The plans to construct the college were slowed though, by an “Indian Uprising.” On February 8, 1693, King William III and Queen Mary II of England signed the charter for a “perpetual College of Divinity, Philosophy, Languages, and other good Arts and Sciences.” The doctrine called for the college to be founded in Williamsburg. And along came College of William and Mary.

The Sir Christopher Wren Building was constructed in 1695, before the actual town of Williamsburg was created. The building, also known as just the College Building burned down three times, and after each destruction, it was rebuilt within its original walls – making it the oldest building in the US. And not only is the campus filled with historic buildings, it has ties to some of the nation’s Founding Fathers.

George Washington received his surveyor’s license through W&M when he was 17. He later returned to the College as its first American chancellor. Thomas Jefferson received his undergraduate degree from the College. James Monroe and John Tyler are also alumni of this prestigious institution.

A few more cool facts: W&M is the first U.S. institution with a Royal Charter, the first law school in the US, the first instance of student honor code and the was the first to instate a Greek-society. The Phi Beta Kappa fraternity was founded at College of William and Mary in 1776.

In 1906, the College became state supported. It turned into a coed school in 1918. Ten years after that, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. picked the Wren building to be restored to its original 18^th-century appearance as part of the Colonial Williamsburg restoration.

So in case you haven’t noticed, the College has a lot of history. It also has a few cool traditions. Every year, at the start of the fall semester, W&M hosts an Opening Convocation to mark the official start of the academic year. It is a chance for the entire community (faculty, staff and students) to join together and participate in a picnic dinner, live music, and of course, a speech.

The Raft Debate is a coming together of faculty members representing different academic disciplines at the college. Four professors are put on a stage under the scenario that they are stranded on an island with one tiny raft. Who gets the raft to sail back to civilization? It’s up to the professors to argue why they are the best man for the job. Fun, creative and a great way to get students to interact with the teachers.

Seniors get to ring the ceremonial Wren bell when they finish their final college course. This is one of the most exciting and well-wishing traditions, as the campus rings with the echoes of the bell throughout the final days of each semester.

There are many more, and you may even see other funny, goofy or serious traditions being performed during your Bluegreen vacation to Williamsburg. The culture is creative, remember, so don’t be surprised if you are surprised by what you find.

The College of William and Mary also hosts events, performances and other festivities throughout the year on campus and around Williamsburg. If you would like to find out if they will be offering any forms of entertainment or educational programs during your Bluegreen vacation to Williamsburg, take a look at their Events Calendar .