October 17-23, 2014
Our journey through some of the historic towns in Virginia
took us to the area known as the historic Triangle. For those of you like me
who didn’t know what towns make up the triangle it is Williamsburg, Yorktown
and Jamestown.
When you look on a map they don’t quite layout in a triangle
but there isn’t really a shape to use that best describes it.
We stayed at a nice RV park in Williamsburg which had a
great nature trail Izzy could travel on as well as run on with Steve on the
motorcycle. They also had a great place for her to play floppy.
Sunrise from our spot
Getting Ready To Run
We happened to be here at the right time to take in the
commemorative celebration in Yorktown of the surrender of Cornwallis on October
19, 1781. The American victory at Yorktown was the last major battle of the
American Revolution, secured independence for the United States and
significantly changed the course of world history.
Historic Battle
Surrender is a Possibility
Soldier's Life
The Colonial National Historic Park under the National Park
Service is a great place to come anytime during the year and learn about the
town and the battle. Since we were there during the time of surrender we were
able to enjoy the firing of the cannon.
Soldier's With Cannon Duty
Preparing to Fire
Waiting for Cannon Fire
We traveled through the battlefield and learned about the
French and American troops, the defense by the British, and the battle that led
to surrender.
British Inner Defense Line
Second Allied Siege Line
Steve with "The Fox" - French Six-Pounder
French Artillery Park
French Cemetery
Mortar at Redoubt 10
Redoubt 10 Captured by American Troops
You can tour the Moore House where terms of surrender were drafted
and accepted. If you enjoy learning about this part of our history it is a
great place to come.
Augustine Moore House
Surrender Terms Negotiated Here
You wander through a few streets within the historic Yorktown and can enter the home of Thomas Nelson Jr who led the local “tea party” and tossed tea off a merchant ship in Yorktown harbor in November 1774. He was a signatory to the Declaration of Independence and was elected the third governor of Virginia, succeeding Thomas Jefferson. He was also a military man and was a brigadier general, commanding the militia at the siege of Yorktown.
Cole Digges House
Customs House
Sailing by in History
As you wander through his house, which was built by his
grandfather in 1730, you learn a bit more about how he lived. The house also
bears the scars from the artillery bombardment during the siege. The battle
that took place in 1781 destroyed much of Yorktown (almost two-thirds).
Yorktown Victory Monument
The next place we saw was Colonial Williamsburg. We were
actually able to ride our bikes around since they close the streets to cars.
You can wander the streets and observe townspeople from the early 1700s. If you
choose you can go on a tour and step back in time in many of the buildings and
learn all about their lives.
Colonial Williamsburg
Biking Through Town
The Governor's Palace 1722
We enjoyed riding around and stopping to read the
interpretive signs and watch the colonial citizens.
Catching Up
Deep in Conversation
Hanging with Jefferson
The Capitol
Storekeeper
Taking a Break
The next stop was Jamestown. The National Park Service
provides you with a great visitor center where you learn about the first
permanent English colony. Exhibits trace history of Jamestown, and the Powhatan
Indian, European and African cultures converging in 1600s in Virginia.
Cultures Blending
Life in Jamestown
Oven from Jamestown Ruins - Put Back together from 200 pieces
You also learn about Pocahontas who had married a Powhatan Indian
in 1610 and was kidnapped three years later. During captivity she met and
married colonist John Rolfe. Her Father, Chief Powhatan, accepted the union and
peace was maintained for eight years.
You can do a driving tour through the historic park and take
in the beauty of the land and water.
Even though it looks like we were in history class the
entire time we were here it isn’t true. We did manage to play golf on my
birthday so were treated to a different kind of scenery. Beautiful course and
the weather was just right for golf.
We enjoyed the time spent in Virginia and learning more
about the beginning of America, but it is time to head a little further south.
Next time you hear from us we will be some place in North Carolina.
