Merchants Square facts for kids
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Merchants Square and Resort Historic District
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Merchants Square in spring
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Boundary St., Duke of Gloucester St., S. England St., Francis St., Henry St. Prince George St., Williamsburg, Virginia |
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| Area | 49 acres (20 ha) |
| Built | 1927 |
| Architect | Perry, Shaw & Hepburn; et al. |
| Architectural style | Colonial, Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 06000365 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 3, 2006 |
Merchants Square is a special shopping area in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. It looks like an old village from the 1700s, but it was actually built in the 1900s. It's a place where you can find many shops and restaurants. This unique district is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its importance.
A Look Back: How Merchants Square Started
Merchants Square was first thought of in 1927. Two important people, John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Reverend W. A. R. Goodwin, had the idea. They wanted to create one of the very first planned shopping areas in the United States.
Their plan was to move all the small shops from around Williamsburg into one central spot. This new area would be built to match the old 18th-century style of Colonial Williamsburg. This way, it would fit perfectly with the historic feel of the town.
Most of the shops are located on Duke of Gloucester Street. This street is right across from The College of William & Mary, a famous university. To make the area look as historically accurate as possible, all the telephone wires were buried underground. Even modern things like air-conditioning vents and garage equipment were hidden. They used shrubs and plants to keep them out of sight.
Merchants Square Today
Today, Merchants Square is a lively place. You can find over 40 different shops and restaurants there. It's a great spot to grab a bite or find unique gifts.
The area is also used for many fun activities. You might catch a seasonal concert, enjoy a local farmers' market, or even watch special outdoor movie screenings. It's a popular place for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
