Military Encampment Weekend in Colonial Williamsburg October 3-4, 2026: To Heed Washington’s Call: Virginians Prepare to March North
Military Encampment Weekend October 3-4, 2026: To Heed Washington’s Call: Virginians Prepare to March North.
Colonial Williamsburg
To Heed Washington’s Call brings to life the critical autumn of 1776, highlighting the 7th Virginia Regiment in Williamsburg as they prepared to join General Washington’s continental army.
Following a grueling summer campaign that successfully expelled Royal Governor Lord Dunmore from Virginia, the 7th Regiment remained stationed in the Commonwealth longer than other units to secure essential supplies and re-equip for the brutal campaign ahead.
Visitors will experience a dynamic Williamsburg on a war footing, exploring not only the lives of the soldiers, but also the vital contributions of local civilians, tradespeople, and laborers who clothed, armed, and sustained the troops. At the center of the event is the Williamsburg Public Store, showcasing its pivotal role as a supply hub, the diverse individuals who passed through its doors, and the patriot forces who marched from it to defend a burgeoning nation.
Special Programming
Under Arms: The Business of Riflemen
Military Encampment – Colonial Williamsburg
Daily 10 – 10:25 am
CW admissions or GNP (Good Neighbor Pass)
Heed the call to arms and join the 7th Virginia Regiment. Falling in at the Magazine, recruits will be briefed on the war to date before being trained to march, drill and train in the business of riflemen.Under Arms: The Business of Riflemen is a participatory program. Guests must be able to stand for at least 25 minutes. The program is open to all would-be soldiers ages 6 to 80. Learn More
Rifle Demonstration: The “cursed, twisted guns”
Military Encampment – Daily
10:30 – 10:55 am
Free & Open to the Public
…long rifles from the mountains of Virginia, I wanted; cursed, twisted guns, the most fatal widow and orphan makers in the world… shirt-tail men, the British came to call them. –Attributed to Benedict Arnold
In 1776, Williamsburg witnessed the formation of a new, uniquely American army. In the shadow of the Public Magazine, witness the riflemen of the 7th Virginia Regiment as they adapt their specialized hunting rifles for war. Experience the sounds and smells of revolution as the men train in the manual exercise, and prepare for the battles to come. Learn More
The Weight of Liberty
Military Encampment – Colonial Williamsburg
Daily 11:30 – 11:50 am
CW admissions or GNP (Good Neighbor Pass)
The roar of cannon fire dominated battlefields of the American Revolution. In the heat of 1776, artillerists trained on the exercise of “Great Guns” in Williamsburg, under the command of Captain D’ohicky Arundel. The enormous weight and importance these cannons cannot be understood without having pulled one yourself. Assist soldiers of the 2nd Virginia Regiment and serve as a matross as they haul a “great gun” into position in front of the Public Magazine. New recruits will be trained in the loading and firing of a cannon, followed by a firing demonstration by the soldiers of Arundel’s company.
Experience the sounds and smells of Virginia on march to Revolution. Be sure to listen for the sound of American Liberty in the cannon’s thunder. This program is hands-on, interactive, and open to all willing recruits ages 6 to 80. Guests must be able to stand for approximately 30 minutes. Learn More
Drumming Up a Soldier’s Dinner
Saturday, Oct 3 & Sunday Oct 4 from 12 – 12:20 pm
Military Encampment – Colonial Williamsburg
Free & Open to the Public
The tune “Roast Beef of Old England” signaled to soldiers to come draw their rations for the day. Join the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums as they summon the troops and perform other important tunes of the American Revolution, while the troops draw their victuals. Learn More
Unpacking Williamsburg’s Public Store
Saturday, Oct 3 & Sunday Oct 4 from 12:30 – 12:55 pm
Military Encampment – Colonial Williamsburg
Free & Open to the Public
Virginia’s soldiers were outfitted and equipped from a centralized commissary dubbed the “Public Store.” Learn about this vital hub of supply, the agents who staffed it, the citizens who fueled it and its vital importance to Williamsburg’s story of Revolution. Learn More
Casting “for the defense of this commonwealth.”
Saturday, Oct 3 & Sunday Oct 4 from 1 – 1:20 pm
Founder – Colonial Williamsburg
CW admissions or GNP (Good Neighbor Pass)
The ability to cast cannons and other military supplies was essential to the success of the American cause. Come to the Foundry and see the glow of molten metal as they cast, and explore the challenges of early American industry. CW Admission Learn More
Becoming Virginia’s Armorer
Public Armoury – Colonial Williamsburg
Saturday, Oct 3 from 3 – 3:20 pm
CW admissions or GNP (Good Neighbor Pass)
In 1776 James Anderson was appointed as Virginia’s Public Armorer, responsible for repairing and maintaining the weapons Virginia’s troops would carry to war. Join the Blacksmiths and Gunsmiths as they take delivery of arms and prepare them for the coming campaigns. Learn More
Beat the Retreat
Military Encampment – Colonial Williamsburg
Daily 4 – 4:45 pm
Free & Open to the Public
The whole Companies of the Battallion as Well as the Regiment are always to fall in upon the Parade at Revelle Beating and Retreat Beating with their Arms & ammunition to have their Rolls Called and Remain upon the parade until further orders. Orderly Book of the Second Virginia Regiment, 1775.
As the sun sets, so too does the day of a soldier. Witness the soldiers of the 7th Virginia Regiment as they end their day by training in the manual exercise, followed by a Regimental Retreat. Witness as the men are inspected by their officers, and listen as the Rolls are read and orders of the day are given. Be sure to pay attention to the parole (password) for the day. Learn More
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