About the same time the Capital was moved, Middle Plantation was renamed Williamsburg by the Governor, Colonel Francis Nicholson, in honor of King William III of Great Britain. The new site was described by Governor Nicholson as a place where "clear and crystal springs burst from the champagne soil." Williamsburg remained the capital of Virginia until 1780. See article Williamsburg, Virginia for history after 1699 References See also Colonial Williamsburg Virginia State Capitol Historic Triangle Former counties, cities, and towns of Virginia Williamsburg, Virginia James City County, Virginia Populated places in colonial Virginia Populated places established in 1632 1632 establishments in Virginia 1699 disestablishments in the Thirteen Colonies