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Yorktown 1781: Before the Siege (Yorktown)

September 12 @ 9:00 am - September 13 @ 3:00 pm

Step back into September 1781 and experience Yorktown on the eve of one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Before American and French forces arrived to lay siege, Yorktown was a bustling British encampment, and Historic Main Street will come alive to reflect that moment in time.

Experience daily life under the occupation of His Majesty’s forces commanded by Lieutenant General Charles, Earl Cornwallis. Watch British soldiers drill, fortify positions, and prepare defenses as costumed interpreters portray camp life and townspeople carry on their routines. Military demonstrations, period activities, and immersive storytelling offer a rare opportunity to see the British perspective in the final major land battle of the American Revolutionary War.

This event is part of the statewide Virginia250 Celebration and is free and open to the public.

The free, ADA-accessible Yorktown Trolley will be running throughout the event, making it easy to explore Historic Yorktown.

9 a.m.

  • Trooping of the Line on Main Street (Saturday only.) 

10 a.m. – 3 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 on Main Street.
  • Camp Followers at the field beside Mobjack Coffee Roasters.
  • Lord Cornwallis Headquarters at the Nelson House.
  • Colonial Seamstress Display at York Hall.
  • Blacksmith demonstration at York Hall.
  • National Park Service Display at Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.

10:30 a.m.

  • Firelock demonstration at William Nelson Field.

10:45 a.m.

  • Royal Artillery demonstration at Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.

11 a.m. 

  • Drill and Soldier Manual of Arms demonstration at York Hall.
  • The Fifes & Drums of York Town perform at the Victory Monument.

11:45 a.m.

  • Royal Artillery demonstration at Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.

12:30 p.m.

  • Firelock demonstration at William Nelson Field.

12:45 p.m.

  • Royal Artillery demonstration at Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.

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 p.m. 

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

Details

Venue