Contact Info
- Phone:
- 757-898-2410
Basics
- Type:
- Monument-Building
Description
On October 19, 1781, a British army under General Charles Lord Cornwallis was forced to surrender to General Washington’‘s combined American and French army. Upon hearing of their defeat, British Prime Minister Frederick Lord North is reputed to have said, "Oh God, it’‘s all over." And it was. The victory secured independence for the United States and significantly changed the course of world history.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
All park grounds are closed at sunset. Yorktown Visitor Center: Opened daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed December 25 and New Years Day.
Nelson House
Informal tours of this early 18th-century home’‘s first floor are offered throughout the year. The house is open daily mid-June to mid-August, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During the spring and fall, the house is open 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., as staffing permits. Call for hours of operation during the winter months.
Moore House
Located behind the allied siege lines, this house was used as the stage for the surrender negotiations between Allied and British representatives. Today, amidst colonial furnishings, tours of the house focus on the surrender negotiations that helped end the Yorktown Siege. From mid-June to mid-August, the house is open 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. as staffing permits. During the spring and fall, the house is open weekends from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and weekdays as staffing permits. Call for hours of operation during the winter months.
Poor Potter
Archaeological ruins of a busy pottery manufacturing site in the early 18th century. There are wayside exhibits and the kiln can be viewed through glass when the site is closed. The building is open as staffing permits. Check for hours of operation at National Park Service visitor center.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Colonial National Historical Park is located a short distance from Interstate 64 (I-64). Eastbound from the Richmond area via I-64, exit 242B for Yorktown, to the Colonial Parkway. Follow the parkway to its end. West bound Interstate 64 from the Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Hampton area for Yorktown should take Route 105 East (Fort Eustis Boulevard east), exit 250B to Route 17 (George Washington Memorial Highway). Turn left (North) onto Route 17. Follow the signs to the Yorktown Battlefield.
