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Historic Triangle – Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Yorktown Battlefield

While I enjoy reading about history, visiting historical sites adds another element. On this trip, I visited the famed Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, and Yorktown Battlefield. While the first two have more reenactments, my favorite was the Historic Jamestowne, probably due to my love of archaeology. There were digs in progress in the area. I also enjoyed the down-to-earth chat with the guide at the Archaearium Museum.

These sites are known as the historic triangle as they encompass three separate landmark communities that are relatively close. It stretches from the James River to the York River. Even if you visit for just a few days, stopping at each site is worth arranging. From early European settlement in the 1600s and the interaction and impact of several cultures to the more settled experience of colonial America in the 1700s to the battles in the wider Revolutionary War for Independence are all encompassed in the historic triangle. 

Tickets are required to experience Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement, and park entrance passes for Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield.

Anything to do for Free? 

At Colonial Williamsburg, you can walk the grounds, encounter historical interpreters, and see historic colonial-style buildings, the historic garden, and the Bruton Parish Church to see the pews where George and Martha Washington sat. You can shop at the Duke of Gloucester Street and get your friends and family a travel gift from your visit to the past. You will need a ticket to enter all other buildings, though.

Jamestown Settlement is only free to Virginia residents.

For Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield, certain dates in the year are fee-free. Check the website for those dates: https://www.nps.gov/jame/planyourvisit/fees.htm 

What is There to See and Know?

Colonial Williamsburg 

Colonial Williamsburg focuses on everyday life of colonial America and the lead-up to the revolution. Horse shoemakers, hat makers, a printing press shop, a courthouse, a jail cell, a scullery kitchen, and a governor’s palace are among a wide range of areas to see and have discussions with the local townspeople depicting the era. There are opportunities to learn and discuss the experience of Blacks in Williamsburg, who made up more than half the population in the 1700s. Stories of real people make the history come alive and create a connection for all who want to learn and experience that time period. There are also plenty of activities and reenactments for visitors to participate in, enhancing the colonial experience.

Jamestown Settlement

A wide range of reconstructions showcases everyday life in Jamestown, including homes, church, and demonstrations on the use of weaponry of the era. You can interact with multiple historical interpreters. My favorite was the reconstruction of the boats Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, which brought the initial colonists to Jamestown in May 1607. You can board the ships that moored to the dock along the shores of the James River. Additionally, there is an exhibit featuring over 500 objects and films, with special galleries dedicated to highlighting aspects of the settlement or era. There are stories of the hardships of life during that time with engaging personal stories. 

Historic Jamestowne

See the site of the first permanent English settlement. Witness the uncovering of archaeological sites. Here, you can tour the site of the James Fort, learn about New Towne, and see the foundations of original structures. This place is great for archaeology enthusiasts, as you can see this work in progress. You can view findings from over 20 years of excavations at the Archaearium.

Yorktown Battlefield

Sites like these can be an odd experience. Why? Looking over the landscape of green grass may be beautiful, but being there is a remembrance of people who fought and died. Yorktown was a decisive site in the Battle of Independence in the colonies. See where almost 30,000 forces clashed with each other. After three weeks, nearly 9,000 lost their lives. Yet, this battle led to the end of the Revolutionary War. You can see fortifications and cannons where the battle took place.

If you enjoy history and are interested in colonial life and the buddings of what would become The United States of America, the Historic Triangle is a great option. You’ll get to interact with historical interpreters, see a range of reenactments, and learn and visualize what the time period was like. These sites are also family friendly with activities for children.

If you could visit a particular time period in American history, what time would you visit and why? Let me know in the comments.

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