Colonial National Historical Park is a journey through the very origins of the United States. Spanning two pivotal locations—Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, and Yorktown, the site of the final major battle of the Revolutionary War—this park offers a unique and comprehensive look at the founding and securing of the nation. Connected by the scenic Colonial Parkway, a visit here is a step back in time.
Here’s a guide to what to do and see at this essential historical park.
At Jamestown: The Birthplace of a Nation
Jamestown Island is where the story of English Colonial America began in 1607. Visitors can explore the preserved site, which is a joint effort between the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia.
- Explore Historic Jamestowne: Walk through the archaeological site of the original 1607 James Fort. Ongoing excavations by the Jamestown Rediscovery Project are constantly unearthing new artifacts, and you can often see archaeologists at work. The site includes the foundations of early buildings and the remains of the 17th-century church tower, the only above-ground structure to have survived from the colonial era.
- Visit the Archaearium: This unique museum, built over the remains of the 1617 Statehouse, displays thousands of artifacts recovered from the archaeological digs. It’s a fascinating look at the daily lives of the colonists, from tools and armor to personal items.
- Drive the Island Loop: For a different perspective, take a drive along the 3- or 5-mile one-way loops around the island. These scenic drives offer interpretive stops that highlight the area’s natural environment and early industrial efforts, like glassblowing.
- See a Glassblowing Demonstration: Don’t miss the Jamestown Glasshouse, where costumed artisans demonstrate the 17th-century art of glassblowing. You can watch them create glass objects and purchase unique souvenirs.
At Yorktown: The End of the War for Independence
Just a 23-mile drive from Jamestown on the Colonial Parkway, Yorktown Battlefield marks the dramatic conclusion of the American Revolution.
- Begin at the Visitor Center: Start your visit at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center to watch the orientation film, browse the museum exhibits, and get a lay of the land.
- Drive the Battlefield Tour Roads: The park offers two self-guided driving tours. The main seven-mile Battlefield Tour Road takes you to key locations of the siege, including the Allied and British siege lines, the Moore House where the surrender terms were negotiated, and Surrender Field where the British army laid down its arms. The nine-mile Encampment Tour Road winds through the areas where American and French troops were camped.
- Take a Walking Tour: The historic village of Yorktown is a charming place to explore on foot. You can see historic buildings like the Nelson House, which served as Cornwallis’s headquarters, and the Yorktown Victory Monument, which commemorates the American victory. Ranger-led tours are also available to provide more detailed historical context.
- Attend a Living History Event: The park frequently hosts living history demonstrations, especially during the summer and on anniversaries like the Yorktown Victory Celebration in October. These events can include black powder demonstrations, military drills, and a glimpse into the daily lives of soldiers and civilians.
Connecting the Dots: The Colonial Parkway
The Colonial Parkway is more than just a road; it’s a part of the park itself. This 23-mile scenic route connects Jamestown, Yorktown, and nearby Colonial Williamsburg, with no commercial traffic, billboards, or stoplights. It’s a beautiful drive that reinforces the historical links between these three locations, offering stunning views of the James and York Rivers along the way.
