Yorktown

 We went to Williamsburg after Christmas in part to see the 8 million lights at Busch Gardens, but also because there are lots of other interesting things to see in Williamsburg. Williamsburg is known as America's Historic Triangle. And it claims three big historical sites. Last year we went to Colonial Williamsburg. This year we went to Yorktown and Jamestown.

Our first stop was Yorktown. I really enjoy visiting battlefields. We've been to many Civil War sites, but this was my first Revolutionary War battlefield. Now I want to see more.

Yorktown was the location of the final battle of the Revolutionary War and the British surrender on October 19, 1781.

Along the siege lines the armies built earthworks. They were often constructed under the cover of darkness. This siege line took British General Cornwallis by surprise. In the morning he found that the American and French troops were a mere 360 yards away and well protected.

We enjoyed walking through the earthworks. They give the site a very distinctive look. Beckett called them canyons and had no desire to leave.

Cannons line another siege line.

The battlefield is still beautiful in winter.

The Moore House is one of the most handsome Colonial-style homes I've ever seen. The surrender negotiations took place here. The home itself has had a long and storied life. Besides being the location of the surrender terms, the home was significantly damaged during the Civil War. It was restored to it's 1781 appearance in 1931.

After our tour around the battlefield we went down to the beach. Initially the city was built on top of the cliffs, but the beach-front was enticing property and essential for shipping and trade. We ate lunch down here at the slowest beach restaurant ever. We were all thrilled to get out of there.