In Virginia's Historic Triangle, Yorktown invites you to stand where America’s independence was won. Known as the “sacred shrine of national life and liberty,” Yorktown Battlefield marks the site of the final battle of the Revolutionary War. Part of Colonial National Historical Park and maintained by the National Park Service, this well-preserved battlefield is home to momentous historic roots and serene, scenic landscapes.
Yorktown Battlefield's Most Significant Sites
Start your journey at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, where you’ll find maps and other helpful information to guide you through the park. Then head to the site of the siege led by General George Washington and allied French forces in the fall of 1781. At Yorktown Battlefield, Washington and his allies surrounded General Cornwallis’s British army, leading to Cornwallis’s surrender and America’s victory.
As you walk among the redoubts (the small forts or outposts built by the British to defend Yorktown), see where Alexander Hamilton bravely fought in the pivotal final battle for American independence. Redoubts and cannons punctuate the vast rolling meadows, which are surrounded by lush woodlands where encamped troops once sheltered. The scenic beauty, wide-open terrain, and restored siege lines combine to create a peaceful but powerful vibe worthy of deep reflection.
Walk across Surrender Field, where 7,000 British soldiers officially surrendered to the American and French forces on October 19, 1781. Then tour the Moore House, where commissioners met to negotiate the terms of surrender during the Revolutionary War. Another worthwhile stop is the Nelson House, once home to Thomas Nelson Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence and one of Yorktown’s most celebrated patriots. Informal tours are offered year-round as staffing allows.
A short walk or drive from the Visitor Center, the Yorktown Victory Monument stands as a powerful reminder of the nation’s hard-fought independence. Just days after Cornwallis’s 1781 surrender, Congress called for a monument at Yorktown, but it wasn’t completed until over a century later. Today, this iconic landmark symbolizes America’s victory.
Tours & Programs
Venture deeper into history with Yorktown Tour Guide’s GPS-enabled audio tours. Whether it’s on foot or by car, explore historic places at your own pace and get up-close to the events surrounding the Siege of Yorktown.
For another way to see the park, climb aboard Yorktown & Company’s steamer wagon tour for a nostalgic ride paired with stories from the Revolution. This NPS-certified tour aboard a replica Stanley Steamer wagon is a memorable hour-long excursion that’s ideal for all ages.
The Junior Ranger Program lets kids transform into active explorers while uncovering the story of America’s fight for independence. Pick up a booklet at the Visitor Center before exploring the battlefield to earn a badge and Certificate of Merit.
Events & Experiences
Throughout the year, the Yorktown Battlefield hosts a variety of interactive and engaging events. Experience the sounds of the Revolutionary War with monthly Fifes and Drums of Yorktown performances at the Yorktown Victory Monument. As music echoes across the grounds, you’ll be transported back in time.
Watch as the Royal Artillery or Lambs Artillery volunteer teams fire off cannon demonstrations, and meet re-enactors as you learn firsthand about the weapons used during the American Revolution. Note that programs may be subject to cancellation due to weather or other circumstances.
Beyond the Battlefield
In Historic Yorktown, fuel your exploration with a caffeine fix from Mobjack Coffee Roasters or satisfy your sweet tooth at Little York Confectionery. Then hop aboard the Yorktown Trolley to explore nearby attractions – it’s an easy, fun, and ADA-accessible way to get around the area.
A must-visit attraction is the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, which brings the Revolution to life through the stories of legendary figures and everyday heroes who shaped the nation’s history. Immersive exhibits and 3D films add valuable context and pair perfectly with a visit to the battlefield. Down the road, Riverwalk Landing on the York River is a hub for shopping, dining, and events; popular outfitter Patriot Tours and Provisions is also based here.
Or, spend the day immersed in nature at Colonial National Historical Park. Enjoy biking picturesque trails, casting a line near the York River, or spotting birds in their natural habitat. Pack a picnic lunch and snap a couple photos to complete your scenic escape.
For a leisurely drive, cruise the 23-mile route of the Colonial Parkway – it feels like a journey through time with tree-lined roads, river views, and pull-offs. In spring, flowers and trees bloom while fall transforms the route into a tunnel of autumn colors.
More to Explore
There’s always more to uncover in the Historic Triangle. Go deeper into Yorktown, explore the nation’s earliest chapter in Jamestown, and see colonial times come to life in Williamsburg.