George Wythe House Williamsburg VA Brochure 1755 Colonial Architecture

This vintage brochure offers a glimpse into the historical significance and architectural details of the George Wythe House in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. The front of the brochure presents a concise overview of the property, featuring a labeled diagram of the grounds, laid out “like a plantation in miniature.” This diagram identifies key structures such as the main house, kitchen, smokehouse, laundry (including the slaves’ room), lumber house, fowl house, stable, dovecote, and necessary houses. Accompanying text describes the balanced layout of the fruit and vegetable gardens, the central bowling green, and the location of a small herb garden south of the house. The brochure further highlights George Wythe (1726-1806), a prominent figure in Virginia’s colonial history, emphasizing his multifaceted roles as a lawyer, educator, and patriot. His contributions as a Burgess, Clerk of the House, Mayor of Williamsburg, Speaker of the House of Delegates, and Chancery Court Judge are noted, along with his pivotal role as a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The brochure also acknowledges Wythe's influence as America’s first law professor at the College of William and Mary and his close relationship with Thomas Jefferson. The architectural significance of the Wythe House, built circa 1755, is also underscored, describing its “dignified facade” and “generous doorway and windows” as characteristic of a grand yet unpretentious Virginia colonial dwelling. Its historical importance is further emphasized by its occupation by Thomas Jefferson, its use as headquarters for George Washington before the siege of Yorktown, and its subsequent occupation by the Comte de Rochambeau following Lord Cornwallis’s surrender. The reverse of the brochure provides a more intimate exploration of the Wythe House interior. Detailed floor plans of both the first and second floors accompany descriptive text that highlights the architectural features and furnishings. The symmetrical design, typical of eighteenth-century colonial architecture, is evident in the layout, with two rooms flanking a central hall on each floor. The text emphasizes the high ceilings, two large chimneys, and the presence of fireplaces in all eight corner rooms. Specific furnishings are mentioned, including the drop-leaf table and Chippendale chairs in the dining room, a two-piece child’s chair, and an elaborate napkin press. The bedrooms are described as having hand-loomed rag rugs, likely made at a spinning and weaving house on Duke of Gloucester Street, and tall-post beds. Other details include a mahogany bootrack near a fireplace, pine flooring, and the white walls of the southwest bedroom. The brochure’s description of the furnishings, including antique planking sourced from Colonial Virginia, further underscores the house’s historical context. The condition of this brochure shows some signs of age, with slight discoloration and creasing evident, consistent with handling and storage over time.