WILLIAMSBURG — The City of Williamsburg will break ground Friday on a 2-mile self-guided trail documenting the area’s African American history, from the colonial era through the Civil Rights movement.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Williamsburg African American Heritage Trail is set for 9 a.m. at Lafayette Street and Virginia Avenue, the site of the future trailhead. The event is open to the public.
The trail will run through downtown Williamsburg, with interpretive markers at historically significant locations supported by a mobile app and website. It will highlight the stories of enslaved people, freed individuals and civic leaders across several centuries.
The trail’s narrative was developed by an advisory committee working alongside the city and research contractor JMI, a Richmond-based brand strategy, marketing and communications firm. The process included interviews with members of the descendant community, a review of historical records and public feedback on a draft narrative. The Williamsburg City Council approved the narrative in December 2024.
Charles Gates, president of the York-James City-Williamsburg NAACP, said the project has been a long time coming.
“It is something that has been overdue in this area for quite some time,” Gates said. “The people in this area have the opportunity to appreciate the contributions of not only the people but also the buildings that were instrumental in the development of this area. They get a chance to really appreciate it up front and personal and it is going to be amazing.”
Mayor Douglas G. Pons, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation CEO Carly Fiorina, William & Mary Special Assistant to the President Dr. Fanchon Glover and advisory committee member Johnette Gordon Weaver are scheduled to speak. Williamsburg Poet Laureate Lacroy Nixon will also offer a reflection.
Nixon said the trail reflects a meaningful shift for the city.
“The African American Heritage Trail is proof that change is happening and progress is possible,” Nixon said. “It is due time that the people of Williamsburg and beyond learn about the stories of people the city has been built on.”
The project has been in the works since 2020. Federal funding totaling $357,000 covers the first phase — the trailhead, a public restroom and the initial segment from Lafayette Street to Scotland Street. Tourism development grants and the city’s current budget fill out the remaining costs.
