Yorktown

The American colonies declared their independence from England on July 4th 1776, but the Revolutionary War did not end until 1781. In October of 1781, the colonists finally won their freedom, a seemingly impossible task against the world’s greatest empire, in Yorktown, Virginia.

Located on the mouth of the York River in Southeastern Virginia (still considered to be in the Chesapeake Bay general area), Yorktown also provided the decisive victory that led to England’s General/Lord Cornwallis to a treaty admitting utter defeat and bring the Revolutionary War to a grinding halt. Even though the treaty and last formal battle was fought in Yorktown, for the next two years there were skirmishes between the newly formed United States of America and England, but these mini battles were really just formality. The rules of engagement were much more different back in the 18th century, as Yorktown successfully illustrates to this day.

To fully understand the Revolutionary War, you can visit the Yorktown Victory Center, which is a museum that brilliantly and accurately describes the war, the events leading up to the war, and the aftermath and impact it resonated throughout the colonized world. Before the Revolutionary War, Yorktown was founded in 1691 to support the tobacco trade with Europe. The York River upon which it is situated is very deep and shoal free, so Yorktown became a crucial river not only for trade, but for American Revolutionary infrastructure throughout the war. The town, especially Water Street which still runs parallel to the river, was a hubbub of activity. To this day, and throughout the entirety of Yorktown, colonial buildings still stand and are available for tours. Although Yorktown has partially developed into the 21st century, much of Yorktown’s heart and soul still remains in the 18th century, and the houses, gardens, inns, and monuments go unspoiled. Unlike Williamsburg, which has a wider variety of sights and activities to offer, Yorktown is very focused on the end of the Revolutionary War. If you are a history buff, or if you wish to learn about the formation of our country, Yorktown is definitely a place you must visit.

In a nutshell, the end of the Revolutionary War ended as such: General Cornwallis (England) had a very long, arduous, and unsuccessful march through the Carolinas; hoping to expedite the trek to New York, Cornwallis and his men headed to Yorktown to jump aboard British Navy Ships which would bring them straight to New York City. General Washington (America) caught wind of Cornwallis plans and quickly marched over 17,000 troops down to Yorktown to make a last stand. The colonist army was running thin, supplies were low, and a humongous strain was evident through all of the colonies and its supporters – the time to finish the war was now, or face the very real possibility of losing the war. The patriots and their French counterparts (France was instrumental in their assistance, without their help the war probably would have been lost) laid siege on Yorktown. George Washington himself personally fired the first shot. The boats Cornwallis so desperately expected did not come – the French Navy sailed out of the Caribbean and chased the British Navy away from Virginia. Cornwallis, realizing he and his troops were hopelessly trapped, agreed to surrender on October 18th, 1781. On October 9th, 1781, the British army marched down Surrender Road, laid down their arms, weapons, and battle flags. The war was over, and the colonies that later became the United States of America won their independence.

In Yorktown, be sure to visit Cornwallis Cave, a place where General Cornwallis tried to hide until help arrived. The cave has two rooms, and did not only hide Cornwallis – Blackbeard the pirate probably hid here, and many Confederate soldiers did as well. In addition, there are historic houses such as Dudley Digges House, the Nelson House, the Sessions House, and the Swan Tavern. There are many places to dine, all with a revolutionary flare. Costumed patriots and “red coats” (the British Army) patrol up and down the town and put on live shows. Yorktown is an overlooked history gem, and you can use our “Places to Stay” and “Places to Eat” options to plan your trip completely.





Virginia Tourists Guide - Yorktown, Virginia