I had the pleasure of spending a few days touring the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia). What a treat for a photographer, particularly because Indian summer arrived in Williamsburg at the same time I did. The temperature was in the mid-70s (F), the sky was clear and the sun was bright. My visit to Colonial Williamsburg is divided into two separate galleries, "A Walking Tour of Colonial Williamsburg," and this gallery, "The Signs and Symbols of Colonial Williamsburg." In this gallery you will see the signs and symbols that are so plentiful throughout the historic area. Some signs are displayed in front of working shops and historic, educational displays and demonstrations. Others are true to the colonial period, but are displayed in front of unused buildings or private residences. All, however, help transport the viewer back to the 1700s for a glimpse of life prior to the Declaration of Independence. Washington was here (many times), as was Jefferson and the other founding fathers. Williamsburg was the capital of colonial Virginia (which included most of Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and westward to the Pacific Ocean). So let's tour Colonial Williamsburg starting at the Capitol building. We will visit the immediate surrounds and then take a walk down Duke of Gloucester Street, admiring the signs and symbols of Williamsburg as we pass the key establishments of the day, the Courthouse, Bruton Parish Church, and the Governors Palace. After you have experienced this "signs and symbols" journey, you are invited to start again and tour the buildings and sights of Colonial Williamsburg by visiting the companion gallery.

UPDATE - May 2009: I just received an e-mail from a thoughtful viewer regarding my Williamsburg signs gallery. The viewer informed me that Mr. Phillip Moore, a friend of his, was the official sign painter for Williamsburg from 1965 until his retirement in 2007. He continues to reside in the greater Williamsburg area. So those of us that enjoy viewing these signs and learning about life in the colonial period from them, can thank Mr. Phillip Moore and his dedication and talent in recreating them for our viewing pleasure, both in person when visiting Williamsburg, and through photographs such as those in this gallery.