Yorktown Virginia is the place where America won its independence. Today’s Yorktown still retains its historical nature, and its charming downtown provides both interesting museums and relaxing beaches. Continue reading to watch my YouTube video about Yorktown.
Yorktown
The charming town of Yorktown offers three areas of interests for visitors: Water Street, Main Street, and the surrounding battlefields. Skipping the battlefields for later, the two streets offer different experiences. Water Street has the beach and plenty of shopping and dining options. By contrast, the historic buildings of Main Street quietly sit beside pretty nature and the Yorktown Victory Monument.
First Riverwalk Landing on Water Street…
Now Main Street…
On Main Street is the Yorktown Victory Monument…
Finally, Yorktown Beach…
Museums About The Battle of Yorktown
Yorktown has two museums dedicated to the Battle of Yorktown, located on opposite sides of the historic core of Yorktown. They are the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Yorktown Battlefield, owned by the National Parks Service. Definitely visit both museums to get the full picture of the American Revolution.
The American Revolution Museum focuses on the history of the Revolutionary War. Despite having been here several times before, I still learned a few things. First, I learned that France sent military supplies and extended credit to the Americans even before the official alliance. About 15%-20% percent of the North American population were loyalists, while others kept themselves neutral. Pennsylvania was the only state to pass a law abolishing slavery during the War. One interesting little exhibit had photographs of people who lived during the American Revolution. Make sure to check out the reconstruction of a Continental Army encampment and a Revolutionary-Era farm.
The Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center focuses exclusively on the Battle of Yorktown. Some interesting facts are that the Battle of Yorktown was actually a three-week siege. While more battles happened after Yorktown, the defeat at Yorktown made the British lose the will to continue fighting. Yorktown was a prosperous town in the Colonial Era , but the Battle destroyed the town and the population shrank. Yorktown also had an interesting Civil War History, as the town was the location of another siege in 1862. After the Confederates retreated, refugee African Americans settled and built a community called Slabtown on the former battlefields. Slabtown became a thriving community until the 1970s when the NPS demolished it to preserve more battlefield land. Make sure to check out the Moore House once it opens back up.
Other Museums in Yorktown
If you’re not through with learning yet, head to the Watermen’s Museum located on Water Street. The Museum honors the lives of the watermen, the men who fished, crabbed, and oystered on the Chesapeake Bay. The term Watermen dates back from the time of Henry VIII. Watermen could be white or black, as at one point in history 4 out of 5 watermen in York County were black. One room is devoted to the Betsy, a British ship scuttled during the Battle of Yorktown, as well as the efforts to study and salvage the wreck in the 1980s. The Museum closes from January through March.
The Watermen’s Museum’s building itself has a fascinating history. The building was once a home built in the 1930s across the water in Gloucester. Raleigh Tavern in Williamsburg inspired the design of the building. In the 1980s, the new owners of the land sold the house to the Museum and sent it across the water. While being towed, the building got stuck in a sandbar for six weeks before finally being placed on its current location.
For a final stop, head to the Gallery at York Hall located on Main Street. The basement houses the York County Historical Museum, which tells the story of York County before and after the Battle. It’s interesting learning about how York County changed over the years. York Hall also has a large gift shop on the first floor. Every so often, York Hall hosts a history lecture, so check if they have one during your visit.
Other Things To Do In York County
While Yorktown is the tourism destination of York Country, there are a couple other places worth mentioning. York County has three small nature parks that while unspectacular, offer peaceful serenity. In order from closest to furthest from downtown Yorktown are Back Creek Park (12 minutes), Harwood’s Mill Park (15 minutes) and New Quarter Park (26 minutes). With regards to New Quarter Park, although it’s technically in York County, it’s actually closer to Colonial Williamsburg.
Funnily enough, the two closest parks to downtown Yorktown are actually across the bridge in Gloucester Point. For more beach opportunities, you could go to Gloucester Point Beach Park, located on the VIMS property. Or you could learn more history at Tyndall Point Park, a place of Colonial and Civil War fortifications. A bit further ahead on the Middle Peninsula is Machicomoco State Park, which has much to see and do.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Yorktown is one of the best small towns in Virginia. I think one day is enough to really experience this historic and beautiful town. Yorktown makes an excellent opportunity to combine learning about history with relaxing on the beach. If you like, you could also check out my old videos about Yorktown and the Battlefield.
For further adventures, you could go drive on the bridge to visit the towns of the Middle Peninsula. Another perfect travel opportunity is Williamsburg, with the living history museums of Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown. Or you could drive south to visit the cities of Newport News and Hampton. Finally, you could cross the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel to visit the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
For a more complete look at Yorktown, please watch the companion YouTube video.
Restaurants
There are at least eight restaurants in downtown Yorktown. One of these restaurants is Coastal Thirst Beach Deli, a breakfast and lunch place which serves tacos and sandwiches. They also have a plethora of baked goods and other desserts, so come hungry. Located on Water Street.
For more sweet treats, head to Little York Confectionery. They sell chocolates, candies, and ice cream. They have outdoor seating, so you could bask in the history. Located on Main Street.
If you wanted to explore more of York County, I can recommend many different restaurants. In order from closest to furthest from downtown Yorktown are: 3 Amigos (Mexican), Plaza Azteca (Mexican), Joe & Mimma’s Italian Pizza (Italian), Cinco de Mayo (Mexican), Toscana Restorante Italiano & Pizza (Italian), Vinny’s Pizza and Pasta (Italian), 1631 Burgers Bourbon & Brew (Burgers), and Anna’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant (Italian). You would also be relatively close to dining options in Williamsburg and Newport News.