Monday, April 25, 2022
Yorktown and Jamestown
Virginia's Historic Triangle of Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Jamestown are linked by the 23-mile scenic Colonial Parkway, which actually passes underneath Colonial Williamsburg.
We began our day at the Yorktown Battlefield, site of the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. At the visitor center, a series of exhibits and a 15-minute film, “The Siege of Yorktown,” explain the importance of the battle, which ended with British General Cornwallis's surrender to the combined American and French forces, ensuring American independence.
Yorktown Battlefield welcome cannon
Partial reconstruction of British frigate Charon,
sunk at Yorktown in 1781
A self-guided Yorktown Battlefield Auto Tour then led us by several important sites, many with the original wartime earthworks. I've got to admit, though, I get very little out of viewing battlefields, especially when what were cleared agricultural fields at the pertinent time are now covered with trees, but the drive was pleasant enough.
Yorktown Battle-swamp
Memorial to our fallen French allies
Moving on to the quaint village of Yorktown itself, we took a nice 1.5-mile stroll on the Riverwalk alongside the scenic York River, past shops, museums, and sandy beaches. The town is one of eight original shires that formed colonial Virginia in 1682.
Yorktown waterfront
George P. Coleman double swing-span bridge
How cute is this?
Washington, Lafayette, Tom, Rochambeau, and De Grasse
Leaving Yorktown, we took the Colonial Parkway back through Williamsburg to Jamestown Island, site of James Fort, the first permanent English Settlement in North America, established in 1607. We had an hour before the visitor center and museum closed at 5:00, but visitors are allowed in the outdoor areas until dusk. At 5:45, we were the last ones to leave, having the birthplace of the USA all to ourselves for the last half hour.
Historic Jamestown Colony
Pocahontas
Inside James Fort
1607 burials
John Smith facing the James River
From the Jamestown visitor center, it was less than two miles to the embarkation point for the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, a free service run by the Virginia DOT. We were lucky enough to drive right on board the ferry with no wait. The 15-minute ride took us right by James Fort and got us on the correct side of the James River to start heading home. We drove another two hours before stopping for the night.
Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
Lodging: America's Express Inn, South Hill, Virginia. An older but adequate motel with an interesting name. I'm surprised they haven't gotten a cease-and-desist from the credit card company.
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