The Magazine in Williamsburg VA
Before the American Revolution, Virginia and London were on friendly terms. England’s Queen Anne would often send the colony arms and ammunitions, such that it could protect itself from Native American tribes, pirate crews, and other hostile forces. In the beginning, most communities stored these dangerous gifts in barn cellars and meetinghouse attics. This made it nearly impossible to keep track of total inventory, and also resulted in frequent accidents. In 16091, the famous explorer John Smith was badly burned when a rogue spark ignited his powder keg, for instance. Powder kegs were large barrels in which gunpowder was stored.
In order to gain and keep control of these weapons Lieutenant Governor Spotswood proposed the idea of keeping all of the colony’s arms and ammo in once place.
This Magazine was built in the heart of Williamsburg in 1715
The Magazine in Williamsburg VA
Before the American Revolution, Virginia and London were on friendly terms. England’s Queen Anne would often send the colony arms and ammunitions, such that it could protect itself from Native American tribes, pirate crews, and other hostile forces. In the beginning, most communities stored these dangerous gifts in barn cellars and meetinghouse attics. This made it nearly impossible to keep track of total inventory, and also resulted in frequent accidents. In 16091, the famous explorer John Smith was badly burned when a rogue spark ignited his powder keg, for instance. Powder kegs were large barrels in which gunpowder was stored.
In order to gain and keep control of these weapons Lieutenant Governor Spotswood proposed the idea of keeping all of the colony’s arms and ammo in once place.
This Magazine was built in the heart of Williamsburg in 1715