Yorktown 1781 – Before The Siege

Where: 301 Main Street, Yorktown, VA 23690

When: Saturday, September 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Cost: Free and open to the public. The free, accessible Yorktown Trolley will be running during this event.

Description: Experience Yorktown as it might have appeared under the occupation of His Majesty’s forces commanded by Lieutenant General Charles, Earl Cornwallis. Witness as the British dig in and fortify in the weeks before the Continental & French Army arrive to establish their siege lines. Watch British soldiers drill and execute their daily duties while local town folk go about their business. Come, enjoy, and learn the British story in the last major land battle to be fought in the Revolutionary War. This event is part of the Virginia250 Celebration. It is free and open to the public.

10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• British Camps open to the public at the field beside the Swan Tavern.
• Patrolling at Redoubts 9 and 10 at the Yorktown Battlefield.
• Patrolling at Main Street and Water Street.
• Blacksmith demonstration at York Hall.
• Surgeon at the Nelson House.
• Camp Followers at the field beside Mobjack Coffee Roasters.

10:30 a.m.

• Firelock demonstration at William Nelson Field.

11 a.m. 

• Drill and Soldier Manual of Arms demonstration at York Hall.

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Royal Artillery demonstration at Colonial National Historical Park Visitor Center.

12:30 p.m.

• Firelock demonstration at William Nelson Field.

1:30 p.m. 

• Drill and Soldier Manual of Arms demonstration at York Hall.

2:30 p.m.

• Firelock demonstration at William Nelson Field.

3:30 p.m. 

• Drill and Soldier Manual of Arms demonstration at York Hall.

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