Yorktown

The French line

We chose a rainy day to explore Yorktown.  Although Steve said something about "on and off rain, " I'd have to say it was mostly "on" and mostly miserable  We arrived at the visitor center just in time to go on the ranger led tour of the battlefield.  I can't say that it was a tour...mostly it was just a ranger talk under a tree since it was raining.  Nonetheless, the ranger was knowledgeable, passionate and animated about the subject, so we learned a lot more than you learn in school about the Battle at Yorktown that won our independence from Britain in 1781.  I didn't realize that not a single American fought in one of the most pivotal battles in securing our independence, the Battle of the Capes.  The British and the French fought, and the British retreated and went back to New York to Henry Clinton to regroup and deal with damage, leaving British General Cornwallis high and dry in Yorktown.  Fascinating...  No doubt the fact that communication took 5 days at best to get from New York to Yorktown had a major impact on the outcome, as well.  In the day of nearly instantaneous communication, it's difficult to imagine such limitations!

The British barracks with original earthworks from 1781

In addition, we also paid the money for the CD audio guide for the driving tour. The rain was incessant, and the little people were napping, so I stayed with them in the truck while Steve & the girls braved the rain at each stop.

I love learning about what we have recently covered in history. I'm sure the kids will remember it so much better because of it, and I'm learning and remembering so much more than I did when I was in school!

The American barracks were here. They and the French shot cannons across this field for 8 days straight.

The Yorktown Victory Monument

Lafayette slept here at the Nelson house during the siege.

British Cannon was turned into a war trophy celebrating Oct 19, 1981.