DAY 05 Yorktown
We awoke Monday morning to another day of sunshine! Spencer, Lauren, and Owen will be heading home today. Since their route takes them through historic Yorktown (just 20 miles from Williamsburg), we decided to go there after breakfast and explore for a couple of hours before they continued home.
Yorktown is the site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War in 1862. George Washington led the Continental Army while Marquis de Lafayette and Comte de Rochambeau led the French troops, defeating the British Army led by Cornwallis in a fierce 3-week battle. This victory led the British to acknowledge the independence and sovereignty of the 13 colonies.
When I was in the Air Force Band at nearby Langley AFB, we performed a big July 4th concert here at the monument every year. At first, we had crowds of a few thousand. Within a few years, we had over 10,000 gathering for the concert and fireworks. The band always finished the concert with the 1812 Overture just in time for the fireworks to start on the last page of music.
Family photos at the Yorktown Victory Monument – One serious and one funny!
Our first stop at Yorktown was the Visitor Center where we saw many exhibits on the Battle of Yorktown.
After the Visitor Center, we drove around a large loop with around a dozen stops.
Here, Owen is checking out the artillery on one of the battlefields.
We are following Spencer, Lauren, and Owen around the driving loop. Next stop is Surrender Field.
This plaque explains the significance of Surrender Field.
Walking up to the overlook at Surrender Field.
Looking out over Surrender Field, where the 13 colonies began the steps to being an independent country.
Plaque at Surrender Field
Trophies of War – Artillery pieces seized from the British Army.
“Surrendered at the capitulation at Yorktown”
Owen had a great time running the circular path up and down from the observation deck.
Owen helping Grandpa Mike take photos of the Yorktown Monument. Good job!!
Soon, it was time for Spencer, Lauren, and Owen to start driving home. We had a great time with them this week!!!!!
After they left to go home, Beth and I walked around the old village of Yorktown. It’s like a miniature version of Williamsburg.
There were a few ice cream shops and cafes around town, but the were all closed on Monday. (Hint – pack snacks if you go on Monday)
As we circled through town, we discovered this beautiful beach down along the York River.
Many locals were out enjoying the warm, sunny day. In the distance, the York River empties into the Chesapeake Bay.
We stopped once again at the Visitor Center to get our National Park Passport stamped. Time to head out for lunch.
We looked at the map and found we were only about 5 miles from Bubba’s Shrimp Shack, so we’re back for more great food!
Not as busy after the lunch crowd leaves.
This time, we had to get more shrimp! One shrimp basket and one side of 6 broiled shrimp. Plus Bubba’s special sauce. Mmmm!!
We went back to the hotel for a few hours to rest. Tonight, we are meeting good friends Charlie and Sheryl Harris for dinner at Pierce’s BBQ. Charlie was also in the Air Force band, and they were here when Beth and I were stationed here from 1985-1989. Before retiring, Charlie earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9), the highest enlisted rank. Congratulations!!! We got to re-hash funny old stories like they were yesterday. They have kept in touch over all these years. Great people. I forgot to get a photo – Sorry!
After a great dinner catching up on 40+ years with Charlie and Sheryl, we headed back to the room. We need to get things organized for checking out tomorrow morning. We will be heading to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where we went on our honeymoon in 1985.
See you tomorrow as we head to the Outer Banks!
Proceed to DAY 06