after the capital of virginia moved to richmond in 1780 for greater security during the american revolutionary war, williamsburg became much less busy. by the early 20th century, it was described as a "sleepy little hamlet", known best for the college of william and mary and eastern state hospital, which was the successor to the country's first mental hospital, as well as its fading memories and deteriorating colonial sites. all that changed dramatically beginning in 1926. the restoration and recreation of colonial williamsburg, one of the largest historic restorations ever undertaken, was championed by the reverend dr. w.a.r. goodwin and the patriarch of the rockefeller family, john d. rockefeller, jr., along with the active participation of his wife, abby aldrich rockefeller, who wanted to celebrate the patriots and the early history of the united states. the restoration of the colonial capital, construction of the colonial parkway by the u.s. national park service, several major enhancements at jamestown and yorktown, and development of several theme parks such as busch gardens williamsburg beginning in the 1970s, all combined to help make the historic triangle area of colonial virginia become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the united states by the end of the 20th century.