Along with Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, Yorktown is the third part of the historic triangle. Surrounded by wetlands, forests and protected nature areas, Yorktown is historically significant for being the site of the final battle in the Revolutionary War. In 1781, Washington's forces, aided by French troops and French ships, laid siege to Yorktown, trapping the British forces led by Lord Cornwallis. When Cornwallis surrendered, U.S. independence from Britain was secure.
Begin at the museum, Yorktown Victory Center, a living-history facility that provides an excellent introduction to Yorktown. Highlights of the center include a short film on the battle and re-creations of a Continental army camp and a typical Tidewater farm, circa 1776.
The battlefield can be seen on two self-guided auto tours. Among the attractions are encampment areas and fortifications, as well as the locations where the terms of surrender were negotiated and signed. 60 mi/97 km southeast of Richmond.
