The Virginia Capital Trail offers a unique experience for residents and visitors as they travel this link between Virginia’s colonial capital in Williamsburg with its modern day seat of government in Richmond. The trail provides access to a variety of scenic, natural, and cultural landscapes; historic buildings; archaeological sites; and recreational areas located between Richmond and Williamsburg.

In 2003, the land that was being eyed for Phase One of the trail was owned by the Conservancy through a gift of deed from developer Lewis Waltrip. Following two years of negotiations and a partnership with VDOT, James City County, the and the residents of Fieldcrest, the Conservancy was able to work out an arrangement with the Commonwealth.

The Conservancy holds an easement on the 42-acre parcel, and the Commonwealth oversees and manages the land. In July 2005, then Governor Warner came to Williamsburg and was joined by other local dignitaries for the trail’s groundbreaking.