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In modern times, we talk much about information technology and the importance of data. Countries around the world spend billions on collecting information about their enemies and allies, companies spend probably even more to gather data on consumer desires and trends, and individuals manage the data of their own lives – financial and otherwise. But the importance of information is not a new thing at all.
We all learn about the start of the American Revolution: the midnight ride of Paul Revere (and William Dawes), the battles of Lexington and Concord, and the siege of Boston. But while this was all going on, the patriots in the southern colonies like Virginia were not idle. A Spy in Williamsburg, by Isabelle Lawrence, takes place in Williamsburg, the capital of the colony of Virginia, at about this same time, just before the American Revolution really kicked off. The book is written at the upper elementary to middle school level. The patriots desperately needed information about what the British and American loyalists, and especially the Royal Governor, were planning. To collect this information, networks of informants were developed, made up of ordinary people who kept their eyes open. But beyond this, spies were needed to get specific military information. Armies, past or present, need to know what their opponent is planning and doing in order to effectively decide how to counter the enemy’s intentions. This historical novel tells the exciting story of how some ordinary people, blacksmiths, became spies to help the patriots in Williamsburg during the early years of the American Revolution.
During the Revolution, the capital of Virginia was moved to Richmond. Over the following years, there was a subsequent slow decline in the old town of Williamsburg, with many fine old buildings torn down or lost in fires, with many other buildings not well-maintained. In the 1920s, with the help of John D. Rockefeller, Jr, the philanthropist son of the famous oil developer, much of the area of Williamsburg was bought, existing buildings were restored, and missing buildings were rebuilt according to historic plans. Today, Colonial Williamsburg is a place to visit and tour to learn about the history behind A Spy in Williamsburg. It is a wonderful destination and the historic re-enactors are very good.