The Virginia peninsula, a 15-mile wide strip, encompasses the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown.  On this land the first permanent English settlement was established, the colonial capital of Virginia thrived and the War for American Independence ended.  At the Yorktown Victory Center  the story of the revolutionary struggle is told, from the beginning of colonial unrest to the formation of a new nation.

The victory at Yorktown was the culmination of a war that had begun more than six years earlier.  Events that led to hostility between the colonies and Britain are chronicled along the "Road to Revolution," an open-air exhibit walkway.  Sections of a time line, interspersed with quotes and illustrations, connect three themed pavilions that explore the impact of three issues: treaties, taxes and tea.

At the end of the walkway, the museum exhibition building offers an introductory look at the Declaration of Independence before leading into a series of themed galleries.  Attention is paid to three groups---African Americans, Native Americans and women---to  whom the early documents regarding freedom and equality did not apply.

History is not composed of just big events;  it includes personal stories of ordinary individuals. Ten individuals provide a unique perspective in the “Witnesses to Revolution” gallery.  Making up this group are two African American slaves who support opposing sides in the colonial conflict, a Mohawk chief who wants to keep his people neutral, a loyal British Virginia plantation owner, two Continental army soldiers, a woman captured and adopted by the Seneca Indians just before the outbreak of war and three civilians who reflect on the home front.  The words you hear are their own, taken from diaries, letters and other sources.  The exhibit also includes graphics, artifacts and life-size cast figures. 

Pivotal events from the issuing of the Declaration of Independence to the significant victory at Yorktown are captured in photomurals along the ramp that connects the first theme gallery with the  “Converging on Yorktown” gallery.  Yorktown and Gloucestertown were on opposite banks of the York River.  Multinational armies, clashing for one of the last times in this epoch struggle, converge on these small communities.  One of the center’s prized exhibits is a pair of pistols that belonged to Marquis de Lafayette, who was on hand in 1781 to witness the British defeat he had helped to bring about.  Again there are “witnesses” from the various countries represented here---American, British, French and German.  This personal look at the events that occurred in Yorktown is also presented in an 18-minute film, “A Time of Revolution.”  Individuals in encampments around Yorktown reflect on the struggle.

Yet another gallery tells the story of ships sunk or scuttled in the York River, “Yorktown’s Sunken Fleet.”  A re-creation of the bow portion of the British supply ship Betsy is the focal piece of the exhibit.  Artifacts from the Betsy, the most extensively studied wreck in the area, add another dimension to the exhibit.  There is a video on the excavation of the Betsy and a detailed scale model.

Outdoors, in re-creations of a Continental army camp and a 1780s Farm, costumed interpreters re-enact and discuss daily life during and just after the Revolution. The camp has two furnished officers' tents---one for the company commander and one for the regimental surgeon.  There are several soldiers' tents and a massive earthen "kitchen," designed to serve a company of soldiers.  Activities in the camp include demonstrations of musket loading and firing, 18th-century medical practices, military drills and meal preparation.  Visitors are "recruited" into military service or given the opportunity to prepare a herbal remedy.

Originals of many of the reproductions used in the encampment are exhibited in the Mathews Gallery.  These include uniforms, weapons, musical instruments, medical equipment, personal documents and belongings.

A children's discovery room offers opportunities to try on 18th-century style clothing and investigate the identity of "mystery" objects.

The farmstead represents a typical small farm in post-revolutionary Tidewater Virginia.  Interpreters at the site engage in domestic activities, such as preparing flax and wool and making candles.  During your visit you may be invited to help out in the field or kitchen.

The Yorktown Victory Center is open daily except Christmas and New Year's Day from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (until 6:00 P.M. June 15 - August 15).  Admission: $8.25 adults, $4 children (6-12 years of age).  A combination ticket is available that includes Jamestown Settlement  (see selection); both are operated by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.

Directions:  From Williamsburg take the Colonial Parkway to Yorktown.  Follow the signs to the Victory Center.

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