Williamsburg -- Governor's Palace

Caption on verso. Postcard published by Colonial Williamsburg, Incorporated // Made in Switzerland by Atelier Graphique H. Vontobel, Feldmeilen // Imported by Runca Import Company, Rutherford, N.C.

The first Governor's Palace and gardens were designed by Alexander Spotswood and built between 1708 and 1720. It served as the Governor's home until the Revolutionary War, when it became a military hospital. In 1781, the mansion was destroyed by fire. During the 1930's, the Palace was reconstructed. Arthur Shurcliff (Shurtleff) designed the gardens based on Spotswood's designs of the early 1700s. He based the gardens on English design with a combination of French and Dutch influences, using both "exotics" and native Virginia plants. The gardens, which include a ballroom garden, holly maze, and kitchen garden, are open to the public. Persons associated with the property include: Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood (designer, 1708-1720); Perry, Shaw and Hepburn (designers, 1931-1934); Arthur Shurtleff (landscape architect, 1930's); Alden Hopkins (landscape architect); and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (owner).