YORKTOWN — Experience the historical village of Yorktown as it might have appeared in September of 1781, under the occupation of His Majesty’s forces commanded by Lt. Gen. Charles, Earl Cornwallis.
Colonial National Historical Park will host a living history event, “Before the Siege,” along Yorktown’s Historic Main Street and Redoubts 9 and 10 on Saturday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 8.
Park rangers and living history volunteers will offer a glimpse into the daily lives of town residents and British troops in the weeks leading up to the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.
Family-friendly activities, including black powder demonstrations, drilling, camp life, and more will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
The schedule for the weekend:
- Patrolling of Yorktown & Water Streets
- Medical Display at the Nelson House Yard
- Colonial blacksmith display & demonstration at York Hall
- Camp followers cooking & laundry demonstration Between Sommerwell-Cole Digges House
- Manning Redoubt 9 on Yorktown Battlefield
- Royal Artillery firing at Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center
- Drill and displays & soldier uniform-equipment at York Hall
- Camp closed to public.
“We so appreciate all the living history groups as well as our partners for helping us bring this significant event back to the park,” said Superintendent Jerri Marr. “We encourage the public to come out and participate and experience what Yorktown looked like 243 years ago.”
The event is held in partnership with the York County Economic & Tourism Development, York County Historical Committee and the Waterman’s Museum.
