Public Hospital of 1773

Overview

The Public Hospital of 1773, also known as the Public Gaol and Public Hospital, is a historic site in Williamsburg, Virginia. It served as a hospital, orphanage, and prison in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

It is the oldest surviving public hospital in the United States and provides insight into the colonial era's approach to healthcare and social welfare.

Historical Cultural

Location

Address

325 W Francis St., Williamsburg, Virginia

Neighborhood: Historic Area

Coordinates

37.270800, -76.708200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$20

Children

$10

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild

• flowers
• gardens

summer

hot

• extended hours

autumn

cool

• fall colors

winter

cold

• holiday lights

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book ahead
Bring ID
Check weather

What to Bring

essential

ID water tickets

seasonal

jacket umbrella warm clothing

not allowed

large bags drones pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

• stairs
• uneven surfaces

Medical facilities: first aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, credit cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $10

parking $5

food $10

souvenirs $15

Dress Code

casual, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, walking shoes, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• 2 weeks
• official website
• 48 hours
• available

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Colonial Williamsburg App

Size: 50 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets, Event Calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe, Public areas

Charging Stations: Rest areas, Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)

Distance: 25 km

Travel Time: 30 minutes

taxi

$40 30 min

public_transport

$5 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

metro

$2 15 min

bus

$1.50 20 min

taxi

$10 10 min

bicycle

Free 20 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historic importance, unique local history

Historical Significance: Important events happened here, significant in colonial history

Insider Tips

Free entry early morning for locals
Best food at back entrance
Ask about hidden historical spots

Local Recommendations

• Try local cafe
• Ask for guide John
• Visit nearby Colonial Williamsburg

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle

Result: Great shot of the historic facade

#historicWilliamsburg #colonialhistory #travel

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, public spaces

prohibited areas exhibitions, private areas

flash photography not allowed in certain areas

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy prohibited

tripod policy restricted, permit may be required

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Colonial Williamsburg

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Historic Site

Jamestown Settlement

Distance: 10km

Walking: 20 min by car

Type: Museum

Bush Garden

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Park

Governor's Palace

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min