Yorktown Battlefield

These open fields on the coast of Virginia mark the last major battle of the American Revolution.

It was here that Gen. George Washington accepted the surrender of Lt. Gen. Charles Cornwallis. On Oct. 19, 1781, British colonial rule ended. Props to the French who blockaded nearby ports and kept the British from escaping.

Start at the visitor's center to get an orientation of the battle. Artifacts, maps and an interpretive film showcase the events that played out at Yorktown. Outside, you can see cannon placements, tents, and signs that mark troop movements.

Guided tours by Park Rangers take you nearly 250 years to the past. Washington's army was trying to end a six-year war. His men marched towards the Atlantic while the British simply wanted to escape from the intense bombardment. When the siege of Yorktown was over, 7,000 British troops surrendered. England had to retreat to Canada (they returned in 1812), eh.

The battlefield has several monuments memorializing the battle. Hiking paths and paved roads let you tour the battlefield. Summer months bring out costumed re-enactors who bring the battle to life.

In town, there are several buildings from that era. Seasonally, many of these buildings are decorated for various holidays.