Just a 15-minute drive along the scenic Colonial Parkway takes you from Williamsburg to neighboring Yorktown. Today a quaint historical village and county seat, Yorktown was a flourishing colonial tobacco port in the 18th century where Americans won their independence during the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. A must see for visitors to Virginia’s Historic Triangle, Yorktown includes the Yorktown Battlefield and Visitor Center operated by the National Park Service with galleries and exhibits depicting the siege of Yorktown. Walking the battlefield marked by the Yorktown Victory Monument invokes patriotic emotions, as does seeing where the surrender terms were negotiated at the Moore House, thus ending this battle in the war for independence. The Yorktown Victory Center, a living history museum of the American Revolution, focuses on life during the American Revolutionary period with indoor galleries and exhibits and outdoor re-creations of a military encampment and 1780s farm, where historical interpreters interact with visitors to bring our nation’s history to life. The seat of York County, established in 1691, Yorktown proper consists of picturesque streets lined with colonial-style homes. A combination of private homes and historic houses preserved by the National Park Service delight visitors with the crisp lines of 18th-century American architecture and manicured landscaping. The stately Georgian mansion of Thomas Nelson Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence and commander of the militia, graces Main Street, as does the Cole Digges house and other historic buildings. In the center of town is York Hall, the latest of five different buildings that have been constructed on this lot since 1697. Built in 1955 and extensively renovated in 1999, York Hall now serves as headquarters for the York County Board of Supervisors and also houses the Gallery at York Hall, which features artwork by local artists for sale. In the basement the historical museum features artifacts unearthed from the local area on display. A visitor information area called “The Sights and Sounds of Yorktown” is available on the main floor. A trolley takes visitors on a tour of the town, to the historic attractions and then down to the waterfront, where visitors can stroll along the Riverwalk, a brick walkway bordered by a granite seat wall, and enjoy soothing vistas of the mighty York River. The waterfront boasts an attractive beach area for sunbathing and swimming and a pier where cruise ships dock throughout the year. Riverwalk Landing, to be completed by spring 2005, will feature 21,000 square feet of waterfront retail shops anchored by a themed restaurant, two T-shaped piers to accommodate commercial and private vessels and a two-level, 250-space parking terrace. The Watermen’s Museum and Gift Shop, filled with maritime treasures, tells the story of Virginia’s working watermen and their families who for generations have harvested the rivers and tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay for its abundant seafood year-round. Witness boat building and a dugout canoe at the outdoor exhibit. A steel replica of the Betsy, the British supply ship recovered by archaeologists in the 1980s, stands proudly in front of the museum. Artifacts from the Betsy archaeological excavation are on display at the Yorktown Victory Center. Also, river cruises depart daily from the Watermen’s Museum dock. Board the Miss Yorktown for a fishing trip and the Yorktown Lady for a wonderful dining experience on the York River. In the evening, learn the legends of Yorktown during the Yorktown Hauntings Cruise or a Yorktown Moonlight & Mysteries Tour. Throughout the year events celebrate York County’s heritage, beginning in the spring with walking tours of the various historic sites. A sampling of the special programs include: · Revolutionary War Weekend, in late April, commemorates Yorktown’s role in the American Revolution. Tactical demonstrations, encampments and a Confederate field hospital interpret Yorktown’s part in the Peninsula Campaign during Civil War Weekend in May 29-30, 2004. · On selected Tuesdays and Sundays in June through August, the Fifes and Drums of York Town perform at the National Park Service Visitor Center. · July 4th naturally brings much celebration of the freedom for which our American ancestors fought. A footrace, parade, arts and crafts, food, musical entertainment and fireworks venerate our nation’s birthday. The Virginia Symphony thrills guests and residents alike by performing an annual outdoor concert August 28, 2004, at the waterfront. · Yorktown Day, October 19, marks the 223rd anniversary of America’s Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown. Residents and visitors turn out for a parade, patriotic ceremonies and tactical demonstrations. · November and December bring the holidays and Yorktown offers several activities such as the Tree Lighting, Lighted Boat Parade December 3 and Homes Tour December 4. The Yorktown Victory Center presents Foods and Feasts of Colonial Virginia November 25-27 and A Colonial Christmas December 18-31. The Celebrate Yorktown Committee presents six free indoor/outdoor concerts throughout the year in Historic Yorktown. A number of unique shops featuring antique furniture and decorative arts are sprinkled among the streets of this romantic village. The Gallery on the York, located one block south of Fort Eustis Boulevard on George Washington Memorial Highway (U.S. Rte. 17), presents special exhibits year-round displaying various traditional and eclectic media such as miniatures, photography, paintings, and glass. Modern and folk art objects at the nationally known Nancy Thomas Gallery delight local and visiting patrons. This combination of historical and modern charms makes Yorktown a must-see on your Historic Triangle itinerary. Located only 14 miles from Williamsburg on the Virginia Peninsula, Yorktown and surrounding York County offer an enchanting experience rich in history and continuing prosperity.