In June of 2025, we traveled to Williamsburg, Virginia, and one of the locations Marianne uncovered during her research was the Wren Building at the College of William and Mary. Known as one of the oldest academic buildings still in use in the United States, the Wren Building immediately stood out as a must-see stop on our trip. Its deep colonial roots and connection to early American history made it a perfect fit for our itinerary.

On our first night in town, we decided to head out and try to locate the building before sunset. After finding a parking spot nearby, we relied on Google Maps to guide us through the campus. What we did not expect was just how tricky it would be to spot the building at first, especially since it was wrapped in scaffolding due to ongoing preservation work.

For a moment, we questioned whether we were even in the right place. The scaffolding concealed much of the building’s familiar outline, making it blend into the surrounding structures. Once we realized what we were looking at, though, it was exciting to know we were standing in front of a structure that has witnessed centuries of students, scholars, and historical moments.

The weather that afternoon was scorching, typical of a Virginia summer in June. As we walked around campus, the heat was definitely noticeable, but thankfully the sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky. That gradual shift toward evening made the temperature far more tolerable and added a soft glow to the historic surroundings.

Although we were unable to go inside the Wren Building during our visit, simply walking around the exterior was an experience in itself. The brickwork, even partially obscured, carried a sense of age and endurance. It was easy to imagine generations of students passing through the same grounds long before modern Williamsburg took shape.

The courtyard surrounding the building turned out to be one of our favorite parts of the visit. It was quiet and calm and offered a chance to slow down and really take in the atmosphere of the campus. Standing there, it felt like a pocket of history tucked away from the busy streets just beyond the college grounds.

We spent time walking the perimeter, taking photos, and reading what we could about the building’s background. Even without interior access, the sense of history was undeniable. There was something special about knowing this building has survived wars, fires, restorations, and centuries of change.

As the evening continued and the light faded, the Wren Building took on a different character. The shadows, the warm tones of the brick, and the quiet campus created a peaceful and reflective mood. It was easy to understand why this building holds such importance to the college and to American history as a whole.

While we wished we could have explored the inside, the visit never felt disappointing. Sometimes just being present at a historic location is enough, and this stop reminded us that not every experience has to be a full tour to be meaningful. The exterior and grounds alone told a powerful story.

We would absolutely love to return someday and try again to get inside the Wren Building. Seeing the interior spaces, classrooms, and architectural details would be the perfect way to complete the experience. Until then, our evening walk around this iconic structure remains a memorable highlight of our Williamsburg trip.