A Colonial Starbucks

Big news is brewing in CW! Colonial Williamsburg is beginning the reconstruction of Charlton’s Coffeehouse at the Capitol end of DOG Street. This will be CW’s first complete reconstruction in 50 years!

Richard Charlton’s Coffeehouse was a remarkable venue during the 18th century, as its proximity to the Capitol allowed it to become a hotbed of political, business and social activity. The Coffeehouse was a watering hole for members of the House of Burgesses and the place where colonists upset about the Stamp Act accosted the royal governor.

This is a great opportunity for students at the College to watch as the Coffeehouse where early legislators hatched their conspiracy against the British comes to life. The excavation of the site has been taking place over several years, and researchers have pieced together the history of the building using deeds, newspapers and correspondences.

Once the one-of-a-kind Coffeehouse is completed, guests will be able to enjoy hot tea, coffee, chocolate and pastries in an authentic mid-18th-century setting.

The reconstruction is designed to appear as close to the original structure as historical, archaeological, and architectural evidence permits. It will incorporate the building’s original foundation from 1756, as well as new laid foundations to replace later brickwork.

What makes Colonial Williamsburg so interesting is the fact that it is so self-sustaining. The bricks used to construct the foundation, walls and central chimney are presently being formed by CW guests and brickmakers, and those dried bricks will be fired in the kiln this September. The carpenters at CW’s Great Hopes Plantation are working hard on pit saws to construct sawn weather boards and are carving wooden shingles for the roof surfaces of the building. Craftsmen throughout CW are working tirelessly to contribute to this exciting new project.

We definitely recommend stopping by the reconstruction if you are down in CW, you’ll be amazed at the work that goes into making a town deliberately frozen in time.

-E&M