On Ballard Street (Virginia Route 1020) at Main Street, on the left when traveling north on Ballard Street.
The adventurous Huguenot
who was born in France 1591
Came to Virginia 1620
and died at Yorktown 1657
He was a captain in the Indian uprising
A member of the House of Burgesses
Justice of the County of York
In 1635 a leader
in the . . . — — Map (db m83877) HM
On Cook Road (Virginia Route 238) north of Union Road, on the left when traveling south.
There is a large settlement near Yorktown, called Slabtown, settled by the government during the war with those who came within the lines. The colored people there are doing such work as they can get to do, oystering, & c.
Testimony of . . . — — Map (db m162585) HM
On Historical Tour Road, 1 mile west of Crawford Road (County Route 637), on the right when traveling east.
These 900 men were quartered here during the Siege. Professional soldiers, many fought again for France on other fields as did the regimental commander Marquis de Saint Maime. He became a Lieutenant-General in 1792 and fought under Napoleon. — — Map (db m90961) HM
On Main Street at Church Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
“On the Peticon of Mungo Somervell to this court for his keeping the ferry in York Town of Same is accordingly granted…” York County Court, September 24,1702
Prior to the American Revolution, the . . . — — Map (db m61605) HM
On Historical Tour Drive, on the right when traveling north.
The Marquis de St. Simon commanded three regiments of French infantry (Agenois, Gatinois and Touraine) brought to Virginia from the West Indies by De Grasse. After the Siege they returned to the “Islands” leaving their sick and wounded . . . — — Map (db m11152) HM
Near Water Street west of Read Street, on the right when traveling west.
In 1817, the Baltimore Steam Packet Company, or the “Old Bay Line,” began regular steamboat service between Baltimore, Maryland, and Norfolk, Virginia. The company’s boats transported mail, crops, freight, and people along the length of the . . . — — Map (db m64610) HM
On Historical Tour Drive, 0.6 miles west of Surrender Road (Virginia Route 634), on the left when traveling west.
The 2,000 men of Major General Baron Von Steuben’s American Division bivouacked in the woods and fields to the right of the road. They were chiefly Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland units, and some others, such as sixty “Delaware . . . — — Map (db m11123) HM
Near this spot on the afternoon of October 19, 1781 – as silence prevailed among the Allied soldiers and onlookers – all eyes were trained on the approaching British troops. Cornwallis, sending word that he was ill, appointed his second . . . — — Map (db m10661) HM
On Historical Tour Road, on the right when traveling south.
On the 17th, at about 10 o'clock, the British raised a white flag on their walls, beat a parley on their drums, and the firing ceased on all sides. Then the terms of surrender were agreed upon between Washington and Cornwallis, and . . . — — Map (db m28065) HM
On Surrender Road (Virginia Route 634) at Historical Tour Road, on the right when traveling south on Surrender Road.
The course of the road here is about as it was in colonial times. On October 19, 1781, in the afternoon, the soldiers of Cornwallis’ Army marched this way and filed off into the field on your left. This was the place designated for the formal . . . — — Map (db m10918) HM
On Main Street at Ballard Street (Virginia Route 1020), on the left when traveling west on Main Street.
”The Taverns are many here, and much frequented, and an unbounded Licentiousness seems to taint the Morals of the young Gentlemen of this Place…amiable Hospitality…seems…to have found no great Footing: Schemes of Gain, or . . . — — Map (db m83878) HM
On Historical Tour Drive, on the right when traveling north.
This British redoubt is the sole original earthwork remaining from the siege of Yorktown – but it never came under fire. Cornwallis pulled back to Yorktown from this key defensive position on the night of September 30, 1781, and opened . . . — — Map (db m11003) HM
On Historical Tour Drive, on the left when traveling north.
This important position on Washington’s staff was filled by Brigadier General Edward Hand of Pennsylvania. His headquarters here were easily accessible to his commanding officer. Quick and effective dispatch of orders and communications was . . . — — Map (db m11139) HM
On Water Street, on the right when traveling west.
The marker is made up of two panels.Panel 1:
The Betsy was built in the port of Whitehaven in 1772 for use in the coal trade. During 1780, the British Navy leased her as a transport assigned to a convoy bound for North America, . . . — — Map (db m100098) HM WM
Near Water Street west of Comte de Grasse Street, on the right when traveling west.
What remains of the Betsy lies on the bottom of the York River just beyond the end of this pier. A two-masted brig, originally built to carry coal, the Betsy was one of more than a dozen vessels deliberately scuttled, or sunk, by the . . . — — Map (db m64603) HM
Eighteenth century siege warfare meant weeks of labor for the soldiers, not only on the trenches, but in the rear areas where special siege materials were made and stored. In constructing the siege lines, engineers and sappers used quantities of . . . — — Map (db m10868) HM
Washington’s troops built works like these when they opened the Siege of Yorktown. These fortifications, together with those of the French, made a circling line that stretched a mile and a quarter, from the York River to Yorktown Creek. — — Map (db m10963) HM
On Cook Road (Virginia Route 704), on the left when traveling south.
The Grand French Battery formed part of the first Allied siege line around Yorktown. French and American soldiers worked through the night of October 6, 1781, to establish the line from a point about one hundred yards to your left (across the road) . . . — — Map (db m10839) HM
On Main Street at Nelson Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
I desired you to send the Things you used annually to send me … I … shall not import any more necessaries till the hateful acts are repealed. The Ministry promised to get a Repeal of that imposing the Duties on Glass Paper & Colours; . . . — — Map (db m81772) HM
On Colonial Pkwy, on the left when traveling west.
To your right the British extended their works outward along the York-Hampton Road a principal entrance into Yorktown which they blocked with this “Hornwork.” It was garrisoned by Colonel Abercrombie’s Light Infantry. — — Map (db m10922) HM
Near Water Street west of Buckner Street, on the right when traveling west.
Honoring America for the first time
the Olympic Flame arrived here
to begins its journey to
the XIII Winter Olympic Games
January 31, 1980
Yorktown, Virginia
Where independence was won — — Map (db m64641) HM
On Ballard Street (Virginia Route 238), on the left when traveling east.
The low earthworks on either side are part of the French and American advance line. Construction was started when allied artillery fire had sufficiently weakened the British defenses. The line was completed after the capture of Redoubts No. 9 and 10. — — Map (db m10935) HM
On Fusiliers Redoubt ramp, on the left when traveling east.
On August 14, 1781, Generals Washington and Rochambeau received news that a large French fleet under the command of Admiral de Grasse was headed for the Chesapeake Bay carrying 3,000 French soldiers. There the British general, Lord Cornwallis, was . . . — — Map (db m11016) HM
Near Water Street west of Buckner Street, on the right when traveling west.
The Watermen's Museum is one of the Chesapeake Bay's special places linked together by the Gateways Network. Visitors to Chesapeake Bay Gateways experience first-hand the varied stories and adventures shaped by the extraordinary environment of . . . — — Map (db m64645) HM
Near Water Street west of Ballard Street (Virginia Route 1020), on the right when traveling west.
Native North Americans called the York River Pamunkee, combining two words meaning upland and sloping to describe its high banks. English colonists renamed the river Charles, in 1634, and later York, in 1643.
The river’s . . . — — Map (db m64617) HM
On Water Street (County Route 1020) 0.1 miles east of Mathews Street, on the right when traveling west.
History of the Original Yorktown Windmill
Built in 1711 by William Buckner, the Yorktown Windmill was a guidepost on the York River for nearly two centuries. After retiring from his post as Surveyor General of Virginia, Buckner purchased . . . — — Map (db m77781) HM
Near Ballard Street (Virginia Route 238), on the left when traveling south.
On your left is British Redoubt No. 10 partly reconstructed where a fragment of its moat was found in 1956. The remainder of it, as well as parts of adjacent works, was washed to sea during the 175 years of crumbling river banks. — — Map (db m11189) HM
Near Water Street at Read Street, on the right when traveling west.
In 1730, a law was passed requiring that all tobacco exported from Virginia be inspected by officials at one of the public inspection warehouses which were located in port towns or along the rivers throughout the colony. Any tobacco not meeting a . . . — — Map (db m64607) HM
On Water Street, 0.1 miles east of Compte de Grasse Street, on the right when traveling east.
"An act for Ports, &c. That from and after the first day of October (1692), all shipps, barques, and other vessells whatsoever, arriveing into, or sayling out of this country for trayd, shall unload and put on shoare, and take from . . . — — Map (db m78107) HM
Near Water Street west of Read Street, on the right when traveling west.
In 1976, the Adventure Cycling Association established the TransAmerica Trail as part of the United States bicentennial celebration. The Route 76 bike trail runs from Astoria, Oregon, to Yorktown, Virginia, and covers 4,262 miles.
It is still . . . — — Map (db m64609) HM
Near Historical Tour Road, on the right when traveling west.
An army … consisting of more than seven thousand choice troops, were obliged to surrender their arms to an enemy as much despised as hated; twelve thousand muskets, more than two hundred pieces of iron and brass cannon, and a . . . — — Map (db m10866) HM
On Church Street just south of Main Street, on the left when traveling south.
Two battalions at Yorktown were from Anspach and Bayreuth, tiny independent kingdoms in southwest Germany. Their ruler, deeply in debt, had let these troops for hire to the British for some 45,000 pounds. Their camp covered several blocks in this . . . — — Map (db m167795) HM
Near Water Street at Ballard Street (Virginia Route 1020), on the right when traveling west.
Since the October 19, 1781, victory at Yorktown, Virginia, five U.S. Navy ships have been named Yorktown. The first (1840) was constructed at Gosport Shipyard, the present-day Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The 16-gun ship sloop hit a reef in the . . . — — Map (db m64612) HM
On Main Street, on the right when traveling north.
“Resolved, That … Congress … will cause to be erected at York, in Virginia, a marble column, adorned with emblems of the alliance between the United States and his Most Christian Majesty; and inscribed with a succinct narrative . . . — — Map (db m10654) HM
Near Water Street at Buckner Street, on the right when traveling west.
Across the York River in Gloucester County is the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), one of the nation’s leading centers for the interdisciplinary research in coastal oceans and estuarine science. Chartered in 1940 as the Virginia . . . — — Map (db m64628) HM
On Historical Tour Road, on the right when traveling west.
The approaching Season obliges me to recommend to you … to use your utmost Efforts for furnishing the Virginia Troops with Cloathing. You will therefore … adopt … Measures to send them down immediately – As their Troops are to take the . . . — — Map (db m11066) HM
Near Water Street west of Buckner Street, on the right when traveling west.
This lower Chesapeake Bay location has been strategic since early colonial days when a fort was built to protect the colony from warring European powers. In the 17th and 18th centuries, ships loaded with tobacco would form convoys at Yorktown to . . . — — Map (db m64630) HM
On Historical Tour Drive, on the right when traveling west.
General George Washington established his headquarters in this area at the junction of the American encampments to the east and the French encampments to the north. Here he set up two tents: a large one for meeting with his staff and for dining, . . . — — Map (db m10865) HM
On Old Williamsburg Road (Virginia Route 1020) 0.3 miles south of Fusiliers Redoubt Ramp, on the right when traveling south.
General Washington and the French troops under General Rochambeau began the siege of Great Britain's General Cornwallis at Yorktown on September 28, 1781. Cornwallis surrendered his army on October 19 after a siege of 21 days. — — Map (db m66913) HM
On Historical Tour Road, 0.8 miles south of Moore House Road (Virginia Route 238), on the left when traveling south.
Just ahead the road climbs to the level ground above the millpond. The ravine like depression in which it follows represents more natural wear from horses, carriages and wagons than any recent grading. It is a visible reminder that the roadway here . . . — — Map (db m90416) HM
On Main Street at Church Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street.
“York-Town…tho’ but stragglingly built…makes no inconsiderable Figure. You perceive a great Air of Opulence amongst the Inhabitants, who have some of them built themselves Houses, equal in Magnificence to many of our superb ones at St. . . . — — Map (db m61611) HM
On Main Street just west of Nelson Street, on the right when traveling west.
"Virginia November 15th 1770
My Lord
Since the Death of Lord Botetourt…the Government of this Colony hath devolved upon me." William Nelson to British Secretary of State for the Colonies, William Hill, Earl of . . . — — Map (db m167792) HM
On Historical Tour Road, 0.7 miles south of Moore House Road (Virginia Route 238), on the right when traveling south.
The earth dam in front of you creates Wormley Pond which existed in 1781 when Augustine Moore operated a grist mill here. American troops marched over the dam regularly as they moved to and from the Siege line. — — Map (db m90415) HM
On Water Street, on the left when traveling north.
Initially Yorktown was laid out above the bluffs, but the thin strip of ground here between water and cliff was essential to the town’s commercial life. Port facilities crowded the area – wharves, warehouses and stores as pictured here. These . . . — — Map (db m11007) HM
On Main Street at Ballard Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
Bacon's Rebellion
Edward Baptiste • Edmund Chisman • Henry Freeman, Jr. • Thomas Hansford
Revolutionary War
John Bowles • John Burcher • Edward Dickenson • James Figg • James Musgrove
War of 1812
Tyler Crockett • Carter H. . . . — — Map (db m83885) WM
On Main Street at Ballard Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
”..it is hereby enacted…that an house suitable and fitt to hold courts in and as bigg in dimension att least as the present court house now is, be errected built and finished...within the said limitts of York Towne...." . . . — — Map (db m83883) HM
Near Colonial National Historic Parkway, 0.1 miles east of Mason Row, on the left when traveling east.
Known to the Indians as the Pamunkey, the colonists named it first Charles and then York, both in honor of the Duke of York. While only 26 miles in length, the tidal waters of the York River flow over the deepest natural channel of any Chesapeake . . . — — Map (db m25811) HM
Near Water Street west of Ballard Street (Virginia Route 1020), on the right when traveling west.
Plants and animals in the York River and its watershed provide many ecosystem services. Forests reduce sediment runoff and excess nutrients, and provide nesting sites for bald eagles, osprey, and herons. Underwater grass beds sustain the young of . . . — — Map (db m64618) HM
Near Water Street west of Buckner Street, on the right when traveling west.
Records indicate that regular ferry service began here as early as 1647 to cross the river between Yorktown and Gloucester Point. Ferries were licensed by the Virginia House of Burgesses and tolls, equipment, and services were regulated by colonial . . . — — Map (db m64637) HM
On Water Street, on the left when traveling north.
Early in October French-American forces closed their grip on the besieged British army in Yorktown and bombarded the town with their combined artillery. Incessant shellfire drove townspeople to seek shelter under this bluff and forced the British . . . — — Map (db m10911) HM
Near Water Street at Comte de Grasse Street, on the right when traveling west.
In 1629, the Virginia Council encouraged the settlement of the south bank of the York River. The following year, Governor John Harvey was given a land patent of 752 acres at Wormley Creek, establishing Yorke Village. By the 1650s, settlement had . . . — — Map (db m64601) HM
“York-Town, Capital of the County of that Name, is situated on a rising Ground, gently descending every Way into a Valley, and tho’ but stragglingly built, yet makes no inconsiderable Figure.” Edward Kimber, . . . — — Map (db m11035) HM
On Zweybrucken Street, on the right when traveling north.
The “old town” which you enter here is ringed by stout Civil War entrenchments built on top of the British works of 1781. Englishmen, Scotsmen, Welchmen, Hessians, and Loyalist Americans were quartered here while besieged by . . . — — Map (db m11062) HM
On Colonial National Historic Parkway north of Ballard Street, on the right when traveling north.
"This Yorktown, or Little-York, is a small city of approximately 300 houses: it has, moreover, considerable circumference. It is located on the bank of the York River, somewhat high on a sandy but level ground. It has 3 churches, 2 . . . — — Map (db m90957) HM
On Goosley Road (Virginia Route 238) at Historical Tour Drive, on the right when traveling east on Goosley Road.
“It did not seem possible that both armies could gather inspiration from the historic memories that cluster around this memorable field. The traditions of the revolution lingered here awakening in all loyal breasts sincerest hopes for the . . . — — Map (db m185700) HM
On Ballard Street (Virginia Route 1020) at Main Street, on the left when traveling north on Ballard Street.
With his contempt for the distant English gentlemen who demanded the colonists search for gold instead of focus on building a strong settlement, Smith foreshadows the anger that Americans felt under British rule.
The lowborn colonists who . . . — — Map (db m34005) HM
On Colonial Parkway, on the right when traveling north.
These pines were planted on 16 November 1981 in recognition of the Yorktown Victory Bicentennial by The Honorable John O. Marsh, Jr., Secretary of the Army — — Map (db m99090) HM WM
Near Main Street at Bacon Street, on the right when traveling west.
In appreciation of the service of these men who made the Supreme Sacrifice in the Yorktown Campaign, 1781. This tablet is erected by the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, October 19, 1931. — — Map (db m167786) WM
Near Cook Road (Virginia Route 238), on the right when traveling north.
Isaac Cornelius Grave Number 497 On August 31, 1861, Isaac and his brother James enlisted in Company C, 100th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. In early May 1864, Lieutenant Isaac Cornelius submitted his resignation but remained with the army, . . . — — Map (db m162584) HM
On Main Street, on the right when traveling north.
This monument was authorized by Continental Congress, October 29, 1781, just after the news of surrender reached Philadelphia. Actual construction began 100 years later and was completed in 1884. The original figure of Liberty atop the Victory shaft . . . — — Map (db m10925) HM
On Water Street at Read Street, on the left when traveling north on Water Street.
In spring 1862, the Confederate heavy artillery batteries on the bluffs at Yorktown, as well as those positioned along the waterfront on both sides of the York River, effectively blocked the U.S. Navy’s attempts to bypass Magruder’s 2nd Peninsula . . . — — Map (db m168251) HM
On Water Street, on the left when traveling north.
18th century commerce moved by water whenever possible. Yorktown’s waterfront reflected this. Tobacco warehouses, ship’s chandleries, grogshops and wharves lined the waterfront … Among them passed the diverse array of merchants and sailors, planters . . . — — Map (db m11009) HM
Near Water Street west of Read Street, on the right when traveling west.
Because of its location, Yorktown is susceptible to damage from storms such as nor’easters and hurricanes. One such storm played a role in the outcome of the Siege of Yorktown. On October 16, 1781, under intense fire, the British Army attempted to . . . — — Map (db m64608) HM
Near Water Street west of Comte de Grasse Street, on the right when traveling west.
When British General Cornwallis established a fortified base at Yorktown in August 1781, his forces included a squadron of four warships and about 50 merchant and transport vessels. When the British surrendered on October 19, much of the fleet lay . . . — — Map (db m64602) HM
Near Water Street west of Buckner Street when traveling west.
While the Boston Tea Party of December 1773 is famous, a lesser known protest against the Tea Act also occurred in Virginia. On November 7, 1774 some concerned citizens of York County openly boarded a ship in the harbor and dumped two small chests . . . — — Map (db m64635) HM
Near Water Street west of Buckner Street when traveling west.
For over 100 years, one of Yorktown’s most prominent landmarks was a tall, wooden “smock” windmill that stood at the edge of the steep bluff near here. A rotating cap with sails sat atop the tower and could be turned with a long tail pole to face . . . — — Map (db m64639) HM
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