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The Beginning and End of English Colonial America

It began on the swampy marshes of Jamestown in 1607. It ended on the battle scarred landscape of Yorktown in 1781. It was one hundred and seventy-four years of hope, frustration, adventure, discovery, growth, and development that saw a lonely settlement of 104 men and boys grow into a nation of 13 colonies of 3 million people, of many races and many beliefs. Jamestown and Yorktown mark the beginning and end of English Colonial America.
 
Foundations of 17th-century structure at Historic Jamestowne.

Historic Jamestowne

An integral part of Colonial National Historical Park, this 23 mile scenic byway connects  Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. Its panoramic vistas, gently winding curves, through patches of pine and evergreen forest, constantly leaves the visitor with an expectation as to what the next curve may bring forth.
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3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard) performing tactical demonstration on Yorktown Day, the annual event commemorating the American victory.

Yorktown Battlefield

Yorktown is the site of the final major battle of the American Revolutionary War. The Revolution secured independence for the United States and significantly changed the course of world history.
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Colonial Parkway

Colonial Parkway

An integral part of Colonial National Historical Park this 24 mile scenic Colonial-style highway connects Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. Its panoramic vistas, gently winding curves, through patches of Pine and Evergreen forest, constantly leaves the visitor with an expectation as to what the next curve may bring forth.
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Granite cross at Cape Henry Memorial, marking location of first landing in Virginia of Jamestown colonists

Cape Henry Memorial

The park's Cape Henry Memorial unit marks the approximate site of the first landing of the Jamestown settlers in Virginia. It also overlooks the Chesapeake Bay scene of the Battle of the Capes, the sea battle that played an integral part in the Yorktown campaign and led to the surrender of the British at Yorktown.
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Write to

Colonial National Historical Park
P.O. Box 210
Yorktown, Virginia 23690

E-mail Us

Phone

Headquarters
(757) 898-3400

Visitor Information
(757) 898-2410

Fax

(757) 898-6346

Climate

Tidewater Virginia generally has a warm climate. Average winter daytime temperatures peak at 10 C (50 F) with night time lows of 3 C (25-20 F). Chilling winds coming off the rivers can produce wind chill temperatures much lower. Summer temperatures range from daytime highs of 30 C (85-90 F) down to 20 C (60 F) at night. Area is generally humid, especially during the summer months. Layered clothing is recommended in early spring, late fall and winter. Good walking shoes for year round comfort. Insect repellent recommended in spring and summer for mayflies, mosquitoes, chiggers, and ticks. For a three to five day forecast go to more information.
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Living History Participants  

Did You Know?
On July 6, 1781, near Jamestown, the Marquise de Lafayette’s small American force fought General Cornwallis’s army at the Battle of Green Spring. Lafayette lost this, Virginia’s largest infantry battle of the war, but saved his army, enabling him to spy on the British army as it moved to Yorktown

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Last Updated: May 01, 2008 at 14:21 EST