ATTRACTIONS

Historic Homes & Buildings

• Archer Cottage
  Located on Yorktown Riverfront
  757-890-0916
  This example of a Colonial waterfront dwelling was used as a home and store for over a century. Destroyed in the fire of 1814, the current cottage was rebuilt in the 1820s on the original foundations.  more...

• Grace Episcopal Church
  111 Church Street • Yorktown, VA 23690
  757-898-3261
  This 300-year-old Episcopal Church survived 1781 and 1862 sieges, as well as the great fire of 1814. Between 1795 and 1920 there were long periods when only part-time clergy ministered here. A gift and book shop are also on the property. more...

• Moore House
  Located at Colonial National Historical Park
  757-898-2410
  The site on which this historic house now stands was first patented by Governor John Harvey in the 1630's, and was named "York Plantation." The terms of surrender for the British army were negotiated at this site in 1781. The house is beautifully restored and refurnished to an 18th century appearance.

• Nelson House
  Main Street • Yorktown, VA 23690
  757-898-2410
  A beautifully restored mansion of early Georgian architecture, this was the home of Thomas Nelson, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Governor of Virginia and commander of the Virginia Militia during the siege of Yorktown. The house is mainly made out of bricks that originated from England. Informal tours of this early 18th-century home's first floor are offered through the year as staffing permits. Call for hours of operation. more...

Historic Sites & Monuments

• Cornwallis' Cave
  Located on Water Street
  757-898-2422
  A National Park service property, this cave was probably used by a British gun crew to defend the river from the French fleet, contrary to the legend that describes this place as Cornwallis' hiding place at the end of the 1781 siege.

• Historic Jamestowne
  P.O. Box 210 • Yorktown, VA 23692
  Located at Colonial National Historical Park
  757-229-1733
  Jamestown was founded in 1607 and became the first permanent English settlement in the New World. At the National Park Service Visitor Center, visitors can see the 15 minute film, "Jamestown " and browse the museum of 17th century objects. Join a Park Ranger for a tour of the original site and observe as archeologists uncover remains of the first fort. more...

• Poor Potter Archeological Site (circa 1720-1745)
  Located at Colonial National Historical Park
  757-898-2410
  The "poor potter," William Rogers, as described by Royal Governor Gooch in 1732, actually operated a large scale pottery at this location in violation of English trade laws. Remains of the factory were uncovered in 1970. more...

• Yorktown Battlefield
  P.O. Box 210 • Yorktown, VA 23690
  Located at Colonial National Historical Park
  757-898-2410
  See where American independence was won when you visit this historic battlefield. Start at the Visitor Center and see the film, museum, book shop, and battlefield overlook. Visitors can also participate in a ranger guided or self-guided walking or auto tour of the town and battlefield. more...  map

• Yorktown Victory Monument (circa 1884)
  Located on Main Street
  757-898-2410
  Commissioned by the Continental Congress in 1781 to commemorate the great victory at Yorktown, construction on this monument began 100 years later during the Centennial Celebration of the Allied Victory over the British.

Museums & Galleries

• Gallery on the York
  7907 A George Washington Memorial Highway • Yorktown, VA 23692
  757-898-3076
  Changing exhibitions and fine arts and crafts by regional artists are displayed at this charming gallery.  map

• Waterman's Museum
  309 Water Street • Yorktown, VA 23690
  757-887-2641
  The preservation of the heritage of the Watermen of the Chesapeake Bay is the mission of this museum that interprets their culture and their contributions to the region through exhibits and educational opportunities. more...

• Yorktown Victory Center
  P.O. Box 1607 • Yorktown, VA 23185
  Located on Route 31 South
  757-253-4838, 888-593-4682
  A Museum of the American Revolution: America's struggle for independence, from the beginnings of Colonial unrest to the formation of the new nation, is chronicled through the stories of citizens and soldiers in gallery exhibits, a film, and outdoor living history at this center. Visitors can muster with troops in a re-created Continental Army encampment and help with chores at a recreated 1780s farm.  more...

National Parks & Natural Wonders

• Colonial National Historical Park
  P.O. Box 210 • Yorktown, VA 23690
  Located at Route 17 & Goosley Road
  757-898-2410
  This national historic park administers two of the most historically significant sites in English North America: Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America in 1607, is administered jointly with the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, and Yorktown Battlefield, the final major battle of the American Revolutionary War in 1781. more...  map

Tours & Cruises

• Schooner Alliance
  425 Water Street • Yorktown, VA 23690
  Riverwalk Landing Pier
  757-639-1233
  Enjoy 2 hour daysails aboard Yorktown's 105' Tall Ship, the Schooner Alliance. Alliance sails 3 times daily from Yorktown's Riverwalk Landing Pier from May through October. more...  map