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HISTORIC DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

Colonial National Historical Park in Virginia

This park preserves three important sites in U.S. history: Jamestown (the earliest permanent English settlement in America), Colonial Williamsburg (the seat of government in early Virginia), and Yorktown (the place where victory over the British was achieved during the Revolutionary War). A 23-mile parkway joins these sites.

Coach Ride

(Vintage Traveler Photo)

Jamestown (founded in 1607): 

• Jamestown Settlement (living history museum): View (1) exhibits and short film, “Jamestown: The Beginning,” (2) replica of Powhatan Indian Village, (3) reproductions of the three ships in which the settlers arrived in 1607.  Take the tour led by park rangers.

• Old Towne Site: See ruins of the original settlement, including James Fort and statues of important characters.

Colonial Williamsburg (served as the capital of the Virginia colony from 1699-1780): historical theme park and living history museum. Historic buildings were moved to this site or reconstructed here starting in 1926, including:

• Capitol Building (originally built in 1705)
• Bruton Parish Church (1711)
• Governor’s Palace (1714)
• The Magazine & Guardhouse (1715)
• Bassett Hall (c1753)

Several restaurants serve colonial fare in buildings that fit the colonial period.

Yorktown (scene of the surrender of Corwallis to American forces to end the Revolutionary War in 1781. Sites include:

• Yorktown National Battlefield & Visitor Center: (1) begin at the Visitor Center (16-minute documentary film, museum displays).  (2) Take the Battlefield Driving Tour and the Encampment Driving Tour.

• Yorktown Victory Center. See (1) film and exhibits, (2) living history Continental Army camp, (3) living history recreation of an 18th century farm. 

• Historic Yorktown. This town was established in 1691 to regulate trade and to collect taxes on both imports and exports for Great Britain.  Ask about self-guided or ranger-led tours at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center to visit historic houses and sites in this town.

Other Historic Sites in the area:

• College of William and Mary (established in 1693).
• James River Plantations and Mansions, including: Berkeley Plantation (built in 1726), Sherwood Forest (1730), Powhatan (1737 reproduction), Shirley (c.1742), Carter’s Grove (c.1754), Piney Grove (c. 1800), North Bend Plantation B&B (c. 1819), Edgewood Plantation B&B (1849),

For information contact:

• 1-800-HISTORY for hotels
• 1-800-TAVERNS or 757-229-2141 for the four colonial taverns www.colonialwilliamsburg.com
• Williamsburg area = 1-800-368-6511 or www.visitwilliamsburg.com