The Historic Triangle

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).

 



 Thomas Nelson Jr.'s House

 

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.

 

Challenging

Pretty Hole - Just Don't Hit in the Water

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.