May 17, 2015 - Yorktown

Today we toured the battlegrounds at Yorktown where America’s independence was won in 1781.  Again, we visited the museum and watched a short film on the events regarding the last battle.  Again this was another interactive area where we witnessed the encampments where the troops lived and learned about their living conditions.  All the people we encountered were very knowledgeable about the area and made the tours very interesting.  We then took a driving trip around the actual battlefield and tried to picture what it was like with 17,000 English and French soldiers marching on Cornwalis and Yorktown.  About all that remains are the trenches that were dug by the solders and many historic signs regarding the placement of the troops.  Flags are raised throughout the battlefield noting where the British, English and French troops were stationed.  By the time we finished our historic tours today, we felt like we have lived in that era.

Entering Yorktown

Helping George with the Declaration of Independence

Ready to fight - coat was made of wool and was very heavy

Inside one of the buildings of the American encampment

Encampment village

Garden where all their foods were grown

Actual view of the battlefield - try to image 17,000 soldiers fighting here

House where the document of surrender was written

Waterfront park in Yorktown

Along the waterfront