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Drive the Yorktown Battlefield, the site of the 1781 Siege of Yorktown and the official British surrender that decided the American Revolution. This 10-mile driving tour shows the key landmarks where the pivotal battle was fought.
The tour leads to significant sites from the three-week siege, including the British riverfront fortifications at Redoubts 9 and 10 and the original site of George Washington’s Headquarters.
The French Artillery Park protected the largest canons, some still on display. The Grand French Battery shows the reconstructed earthworks where the allied French forces bombarded the British position.
Trace the path of Generals Cornwallis and Washington at sites like Surrender Field and Moore House, where peace terms were negotiated.
Pay respects to the fallen at French Cemetery, where patriot soldiers were buried after the battle. We’ll point out the Yorktown National Cemetery, which lies along the Revolutionary battlefield and dates to the Civil War.
The driving loop of the battlefield returns to the York River, where the Visitor Center and the 210-foot-tall Yorktown Monument honor the decisive battle.
Driving southbound along US-17 N, across the York River from Gloucester
Driving northbound along US-17 S, from Newport News – Norfolk
Along Colonial National Historical Parkway, along the York River from Williamsburg
This is a half-day driving tour.
9+ Miles