Alexander Spotswood's Magazine

In 1714 the General Assembly asked Governor Alexander Spotswood to build, quote on, quote, “a good, substantial, house of brick” precisely to protect the colony’s arms and munitions. Spotswood was authorized to spend £200 from taxes collected on the import of liquor and slaves. When the so called Magazine was built, it stored all of the colony of Williamsburg’s arms and munitions. So, in 1715, the Magazine was vexatious. This building is certainly worthy of a commemorative coin. Why? Well, this is what started the revolution which led America to freedom of Britain! This also stored equipment necessary for protection against Indians, slave revolts, riots, and pirate raids. In conclusion, this is the place that ignited the spark of the revolution,

It held all of the colony’s firearms and weapons, plus gunpowder. But, back then, the security was not as well run as it is today. On the night of April 18th, 1775, Lord Dunmore (Governor of Virginia) ordered the redcoats to empty all the gunpowder in the Magazine and disable all muskets. This was a VERY important occasion in history because this is what led to a revolution is Massachusetts but that is off topic. Also, the Magazine’s design was very intelligent for colonial times. It’s very tight, narrow, straight stairs made it more difficult to reach the top of the building. As well as having tight steps, its interior was not so large unlike any of the other buildings so there were less militia soldiers needing to guard it. Additionally, it was very secure and only very certain people were allowed into the building, well Lord Dunmore was able to get in because he was the governor but that is none of the matter. This building, in fact, was a central location right in the middle of Williamsburg so if at any time, for any reason, the militia is able to get to it. The use of the Magazine in colonial times was very

Today, the Magazine is still in the middle of Williamsburg after being rebuilt in 1889 due to collapsing half in on its self in 1888 and the other half the next day. Later in 1889, on September 9th, the roof of the Magazine went up in flames with only its finial escaping the fire. Colonial Williamsburg restored the structure in 1934 and 1935. In 1946 Colonial Williamsburg leased the magazine and began its restoration. It reopened as an exhibit on July 4th, 1949. Since then, the Magazine has been an incredible exhibit for all people that come to see it. This building is in Williamsburg showing the historical significance to people from all around the world to show how America became independent with Great Britain. This is also very important to citizens today because each day, where the old Magazine was, they find more and more artifacts to learn more and more about the