PO Box 210, Yorktown, VA 23690
Phone: 757-898-2410
Fax: 757-898-6346
Open All Year
Overview. Colonial National Historical Park commemorates the beginning and end of Great Britain's dominance of the thirteen colonies. Historic Jamestown preserves the original site of the 1607 Jamestown colony. On the other side of the peninsula, visit Yorktown Battlefield, where General Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington's upstart colonial army on October 19, 1781. The Colonial Parkway, a 23-mile road closed to commercial traffic, connects the two sites. Southeast of Colonial National Historical Park, Cape Henry Memorial at Fort Story in Virginia Beach marks the first settlers' landing spot. What to see and do. You may see either site first, but think about starting at Jamestown. After you pay an entrance fee at the Jamestown Entrance Station, watch the 15-minute film about Jamestown history. You can also look at an extensive collection of 17th-century artifacts gleaned from the site. Outside, guided tours lead you through the ruined foundations of original buildings and monuments to the settlers' way of life. You may also tour on your own. Look for the Old Church Tower, which was built in 1639. It's the only original structure left. If you happen to visit the weekend closest to May 13, you won't want to miss the special tours and demonstrations of 17th-century military life during the Jamestown Founding Celebration. Once you're back on the road, take the five-mile car tour through the pine forest and pitch and tar swamp behind the settlement. Keep an eye out for the many varieties of birds and herds of deer. You may want to look at the glass factory near the Jamestown park entrance. Costumed interpreters demonstrate glassblowing. Taking the Colonial Parkway east through Tidewater country brings you to Yorktown Battlefield. At the Yorktown Visitor Center, bone up on your knowledge of the Yorktown Siege by watching the 16-minute film The Siege of Yorktown. Note: There is a fee at Yorktown Visitor Center. Included are the Visitor Center, historic homes, Battlefield Tour and all interpretive programs. A Colonial Passport is also available which is good for both Jamestown and Yorktown. Visit the Nelson house, home of Declaration of Independence signer and wartime Governor of Virginia Thomas Nelson, Jr. During summer, take time to watch a play dramatizing Nelson family history. A seven-mile road runs through the battlefield, where you can still see earthworks, siege lines, and even some field cannon. Also, see the Moore House where terms for the surrender were negotiated. On October 19, a parade and patriotic ceremonies commemorate the anniversary of the surrender. Hot Brunswick stew is served for lunch on that special day. Along the Colonial Parkway, you'll notice other attractions. The Jamestown Settlement Museum, operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a living history museum, and you can't miss Colonial Williamsburg, a privately owned park re-creating the former capital of Virginia.
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