Yorktown’s chapter in American history is a significant one. After Lord Cornwallis’ defeat, the British Army surrendered to General George Washington on ground appropriately known today as Surrender Field. The day was October 19, 1781, and it was a victory that effectively ended the American Revolution.
What caused Cornwallis to dig in for a siege in Yorktown? How was Washington able to move his massive troops so quickly to Yorktown? How did the French fleet know to move to its critical location at just the right moment?
A visit to Yorktown's many historic sites will answer some of those questions and inspire even more questions along the way. It's the culmination of the stories of Washington, Cornwallis, Lafayette, De Grasse, and the thousands of soldiers and sailors of the American, British, and French nations that make up the collective story of Yorktown.
One of your first stops when you visit, to learn more about our nation's story, should definitely be The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. The Museum features exciting indoor galleries with period artifacts and immersive environments and films. Don't miss “The Siege of Yorktown." It's shown on a 180-degree surround screen complete with dramatic special effects like smoke and vibrations from the cannon and musket fire.
In the outdoor areas, you'll find a re-created Continental Army encampment to learn about the life of a soldier and to take in daily demonstrations of medical treatment; camp life and cooking; and firings of musket and artillery. Explore a Revolution-era farm, based on a real-life 18th-century family, where you can help with chores related to the house, kitchen, tobacco barn, gardens, and crops.
The Colonial National Historical Park's Visitor Center remains closed due to COVID-19, and all ranger-led tours and special events have been canceled for the rest of the year. But, you can still drive and bike through the Battlefield or visit the gift shop! And we have the inside scoop about how you can even receive exclusive access to the inside of some of the historic buildings that are currently closed to the general public. Just book a ticket for a "Take a Stroll with a Historian Tour" offered through Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters.
Click the "Visit Site" link to the right of the slideshow to read the remainder of this blog.
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Last Updated: 10/09/2020
