Fourth of
July is really special in this town
The Nelson House in Yorktown is filled not with furniture but with voices from the past. Exemplifying the best traditions of the National Park Service, the free, living history programs performed here bring to life this important American family.
If you've ever wandered through a historic house and thought about the stories it could tell, you'll appreciate the Nelson House Drama. Three actors perform this mini-drama as they re-create prominent Nelson family members and servants. The presentation brings alive the tumultuous days when America sought her independence. The program is given every half hour from 12:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. except 3:00 P.M. throughout the summer.
The Nelson's family home was built around 1711 by "Scotch Tom" Nelson, an Englishman born near the Scottish border and rumored to be tight-fisted, or "scotch," with his money. Young Thomas Nelson, Jr., just seven when his grandfather died, went on to play a pivotal role in Virginia history.
Following colonial tradition he was educated in England at Cambridge University. When he returned to the colonies he served as a member of the Royal Governor's Council. But as the dispute grew between crown and colony, he sided with his fellow Virginians and became one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The Nelson House still bears reminders of Thomas Nelson, Jr.'s military career during the Revolution. As brigadier general of the Virginia militia he directed his men to fire at his own home because it was serving as headquarters for British Commander Lord Cornwallis. You'll see two cannonballs embedded in the east wall. They were placed in the wall in the 20th century to fill scars left from the siege of 1781.
The Revolution not only threatened the very walls of Nelson's house, it also cost him a substantial fortune. He personally outfitted and provisioned his men during the Virginia campaign. Despite his financial reverses, the Nelson family house was the scene of a lavish gala honoring Lafayette on his return in 1824 to celebrate the victory at Yorktown.
Visitors are as welcome now as they were in the 18th century at the "house of two chimneys," open daily from mid-June to mid-August from 10:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. and in the spring and fall from 1:00 to 4:30 P.M. Hours may vary, depending on funding. Before leaving, be sure to explore the restored formal English garden. For information on the living history dramas call (540) 898-3400, extension 58.
While in Yorktown take the time to stroll along Main Street. Just to the right of the Nelson House are two interesting homes. The Dudley Diggs House was built in the early 18th century and during the Revolutionary years was the home of a council member for Virginia. You'll also see the Sessions House built in 1692 and believed to be the oldest house in Yorktown.
To the left of the Nelson House on Main Street there are five buildings of historical interest. Just across Read Street is the customs house, reputedly built in 1721. Across Main street is another 18th-century residence, the Pate House. Next door is Somerwell House, which survived the siege of 1781 to become a hotel during the Civil War. Across Church Street is the medical shop, reconstructed to look as it did during the 18th century.
Facing the medical shop on Main Street is the Swan Tavern and dependencies, now operated as an antique shop. Swan Tavern was built in 1722 by "Scotch Tom" Nelson in partnership with Joseph Walker. You can pick up a walking tour map at the National Park Service Visitor Center.
Directions: From I-95 in the Richmond area, take I-64 east to the Colonial Parkway. Follow Colonial Parkway to Yorktown.