yorktown battlefield

aliciafurrow

My man and I biked the entire battlefield! Great ride and we learned sooooo much! There is a lot of stuff to see. It's really pretty flat so you don't have to work too hard! Great place to come for a fun and history!

gmaso

It is hard to put down the Yorktown Battlefield, probably the most important Revolutionary battle, if you have any interest in history. The visitor's center has a short movie which like those at most National Parks/Monuments is too short to do justice to the history but it gives an adequate background.The problem with the Battlefield Tour is that it winds around the battlefield and you have no visible landmarks to really understand the battle. You're completely turned around most of the time. Apparently, and one of the information posts, alludes to it, the area was not overgrown with trees and shrubs in colonial times. In the late 1700's the area was largely open and you could actually see Yorktown from the battleground. Without any visual marks it is very difficult to figure out where you are in relation to the battle lines or the town.Should the existing forest be cut down? Maybe.Still, a fascinating site.

JimW419

There is a very good battlefield car tour that could take most of the day to complete if you stop and walk around some of the important sites. The visitor center is located within walking distance of the town of Yorktown where there are several nice places to eat. Park personnel are friendly and helpful.

LoisB933

We visiting in January so there were no crowds and it was slightly cool but you could drive around in your car, following the arrows, and stop and read the signs from your car. There were the mounds and trenches where the soldiers hid and the canons. It was a beautiful area that made you stop and think--such a beautiful area yet such a horrific battle and suffering.In the visitors center there is an excellent film to watch that explains the battle and gets you oriented for your tour. There is a good little museum too that has a partial replica of a ship for you to walk through and you get to see actual tenting that was used by George Washington. You stand under a canopy that was used for his dining area outside. I knew next to nothing but by reading the signs and watching the interesting film, I now understand. What a victory! And thank you to Lafayette and the French who played such a large part in gaining our freedom. I'd like to go back and see more--this is a good place.

489suzannel

This is a great place to learn about the revolutionary days .The guides are a wealth of historic knowledge and are very easy to talk to and have a step back in time.You will enjoy the camp all set up ,the living history is beautifully done and kids are made to feel welcome great family day .

98502

Take the drive through the battlefield to see where the fortifications were, where the armies assembled, and where the surrender took place. It is a beautiful area.

206karenm

Much like Gettysburg except there are more old buildings that are still in use in Yorktowne proper. Hope there's a CD driving tour offered.

L9431OXamandab

The park rangers are very nice. Maps are helpful but you have to really like battlefields. Going at Christmas meant no lines but also fewer chances to get led tours. The gift shop offers CDs to guide you.

MSgtK

I am local, so I go on my motorcycle at least once every two months. Beautiful drive! After you do all the routes, drive down to the Yorktown Beach and take the scenic highway to Jamestown. Don't forget to visit the Newport News Park :)

Dave889

I live in Yorktown and finally took the tour of the battlefields. Great experience for entire family. There is no cost for the car drive self tour through the entire area. There are several different battlefields and signage telling of the specific skirmish. A must for any history buff and great education on the final days of the revolution. There is a small fee for a guided tour but the price is negligible. I believe $10 adult and kids are free.

722DanielR

I really liked this battlefield. This is not like a Civil War battlefield; it is much smaller. You can walk out and see pretty much the whole battlefield from the visitor center. Good things come in small packages, though. I spent 2 hours or so there and really enjoyed it. Make sure you get the ranger tour. It isn't terribly long and is really worth the time. You can easily do everything there in half a day, and, if you like American history, you will enjoy it.

ElizabethW70

It was great! The kids loved this more than Colonial Williamsburg. The museum inside was great and we enjoyed the movie. I recommend buying the cd and taking the driving tour. The Rangers were great and my boys even earned their Junior Ranger badge for the park. We were there in October when they celebrate the surrender of Cornwallis to General Washington...a great time to visit!

longplay

We recently took the ranger led battlefield tour at Yorktown Virginia. the guide, Linda, was interesting and brought the battle of Yorktown to life. She made the story an experience not to be missed. If you are in the area do not miss this great tour.

561tomw

The size is deceptive; it's significance is huge. I found the information gained a valuable part of this trip. All of the personnel were helpful.

Marwalker2

If you, like my wife and I enjoy history you can't pass up the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Very interesting.