The College of William and Mary is the country's second oldest institute of higher education, and boasts having the oldest academic building that is still in continous use. Planning for the college began in 1618, but several throughout the century would call for the abandonment of the plans. The first bricks were laid on the Sir Christopher Wren Building - still in use today - in 1695. The building would serve as the temporary home of Virginia's government from 1700 until 1704, when the Capitol was completed.
Other notable buildings on the campus include the Brafferton, an unsuccessful Indian school built in 1723 to prepare young Indian boys for Anglican priesthood. The building now serves as an adminstrative office, housing the president's offices and provost. (Note: This building is not open to the public). Four United States presidents have attended the College of William & Mary, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler. The campus is open to the public for walking tours, with several buildings open for touring including:
- Wren Building
- Muscarelle Museum of Art
- Andrews Gallery
- Swern Library
