Yorktown

Yorktown was the afternoon part of the same day we spent at Jamestown. As mentioned in the post below, we changed our initial plans to go to Busch Gardens on Monday and Jamestown on Tuesday. As a result, after Jamestown and after lunch, we had a bit of time before we could check into our hotel. Why not go to Yorktown? It is quite close. (If you want more than my scant info., you can click on the link in the Jamestown post.)

We drove out to Yorktown and went through the victory center and 19th century farm they have there. There is a great timeline of events leading up to the Revolution that lines the path from the entry building to the museum portion. The kids weren't really into reading it in its entirety by that point. In fact, we first arrived, they were all asleep. We got to look at a few things and then wander through the museum. The museum is fun and interesting. The kids loved the salvaged remains of The Betsy, and the whole thing was pretty interesting.

After leaving the museum, we went through the encampment. That was a favorite of course, because the kids got to go in the tents and poke around and all the rest.

Encampment

Ashley and Sami exploring a tent

The writing desk in an officers tent. Very different idea of war correspondence.

The camp kitchen as introduced by the Baron Von Steuben. It is pretty cool how this worked. The kids, Ashley and Jon in particular, were both fascinated and off put by the barrels of salted pork. We had to explain that refrigerators weren't a reality and preservation was necessary. They also thought the peas and pork looked unappetizing. Too bad I didn't get a picture of the 18th century equivalent of pilot biscuits!

After visiting the farm, we drove down to the battlefield. It was too early in the season and too late in the day for an official tour. Our kids would not have been able to endure that either. I am glad we went down to the site though. It is one of those places where you can feel the history. All the grassed over hills are obviously manmade embattlements. You can still see to a degree, all these years later, how things were generally set up.

Looking over the battlefield from the British defensive lines.

Also from the British Defensive lines. You can see how they were backed up to the sea where the French presence prevented any retreat via water.

Williamsburg is great. There is SOOOOO much to do. I highly recommend it. After these adventures, it was to the hotel for some swimming. Jon, who was initially afraid, took to the whole thing very well and had a great time kicking around in his floaty. It was great to see him enjoy swimming so much and to have something that he was good at independent of his sisters.