Historic Williamsburg

3. The Palace Green

Williamsburg, VA

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The Palace Green was designed by Governor Francis Nicholson in 1699. It offers an expansive, dramatic view of the Governor's Palace. The tree-lined, 900-foot Green was not designed with only picturesque beauty in mind. The shape and direction of the lawn were intended to showcase the power and grandeur of the colony as symbolized by the Governor's Palace. Yet the palace shared the Green with more modest homes, local businesses, and America's first theater. Located in the heart of the Williamsburg community, the palace green served several purposes. It provided the governor with a surveyor's view of his capitol city from the palace; meanwhile, it reminded residents of the stately source of executive power. It was a point of community pride, so many celebrations were held there. In 1737, Governor Gooch added the parallel rows of Catalpa trees that line the Green, further directing the eye up to the Palace. Over the years, some structures have been built directly on the Green, but it was leveled to its original form