WILLIAMSBURG — As many as 100 volunteer reenactors from as far away as Massachusetts and New Jersey will join Colonial Williamsburg’s military program staff for a weekend of events that tie into the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The 2nd Virginia Regiment, which was authorized in August 1775, will be recreated as part of an elaborate reenactment both Saturday and Sunday at the military encampment on the same ground where they mustered 250 years ago.
Programs will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Also involved will be the trade shops throughout the Historic Area that will demonstrate how they contributed to army preparations in the 18th century.
The name of the program is “Williamsburg Dy’d of a Purple Coulour,” which references the distinctive color of the regiment’s hunting shirts. Just six days after the 2nd Virginia Regiment was created, its Orderly Book on Oct. 27, 1775, read: “It is Expected that each Capt. will with all Expedition Provide Legins for his men & hunting shirts Dy’d of a purple Coulour …”
An interpreter at a military encampment during Colonial Williamsburg’s Independence Day celebration on July 4, 2025. (Brendan Sostak/The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)
“This weekend is meant to be very immersive — the city will feel alive,” said Sam McGinty, Colonial Williamsburg’s military program director. “We’ve set a high standard for authenticity with our reenactors and will be trying to thoughtfully and accurately represent Williamsburg in 1775. The programs on the schedule, with the scale the reenactors will provide, should be something really special.”
There are five distinctive programs planned: “Exercise and Evolutions” (Courthouse Green) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; “Under Arms: Join the 2nd Virginia Regiment” (military encampment) 11 a.m.; “The Weight of Liberty” (Wheelwrights and Courthouse Green) 12 p.m.; “The Discipline of Woods Fighting (Courthouse Green)” 2 p.m. and “Beat the Retreat” (military encampment) 5 p.m.
Much of the activity takes place near the Courthouse of 1770. The Courthouse Green is to the rear of the building, while the military encampment is across Duke of Gloucester Street adjacent to the Powder Magazine.
The historic trade shops will also participate throughout the Historic Area. For example, wheelwrights will repair and make artillery carriages; the foundry will cast musket balls; the weavers will dye hunting shirts; bookbinders will reproduce drill manuals and orderly books; milliners will repair and repurpose older, worn-out garments; and cooks will prepare food for the officers and enlisted troops.
Historically, Virginia’s Third Convention in Richmond before it adjourned on Aug. 26, 1775 named an 11-member Committee of Safety. Earlier the convention had named orator Patrick Henry of Hanover County to head the developing army even though he had no military expertise.
That September, Henry called for the establishment of what became College Camp located at the rear of William & Mary. He called for soldiers to report to Williamsburg.
For more information, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/through-the-seasons/reenactor-weekends.
Wilford Kale, kalehouse@aol.com