Last updated: February 27, 2021
Thing to Do
Walk Main Street in Yorktown
Walking down Main street of Yorktown is an excellent way to see many important reminders of Yorktown's 18th century past.
. On Main Street is the Nelson House, the Georgian Manor style home of Thomas Nelson. Jr.; built by his grandfather, Scotch Tom Nelson in the early 18th century, it is the most prominent of the remaining 18th century structures.Nearby is the Dudley Digges house, built in the mid-18th century by Yorktown lawyer Dudley Digges, who held several important positions in Virginia's colonial and state government. Also along Main Street is the Customhouse. where taxes were collected on imported and exported goods passing through the port, and the Sessions, Pate and Somerwell houses. On nearby streets are Grace Church and the Smith and Ballard houses. Reconstructed 18th century buildings, including the Swan Tavern, also help preserve Yorktown's historical atmosphere.
A map of Historic Yorktown is available at the Yorktown Battlefield. A free app from the Battlefield Trust is available that includes a tour of Historic Yorktown.
. On Main Street is the Nelson House, the Georgian Manor style home of Thomas Nelson. Jr.; built by his grandfather, Scotch Tom Nelson in the early 18th century, it is the most prominent of the remaining 18th century structures.Nearby is the Dudley Digges house, built in the mid-18th century by Yorktown lawyer Dudley Digges, who held several important positions in Virginia's colonial and state government. Also along Main Street is the Customhouse. where taxes were collected on imported and exported goods passing through the port, and the Sessions, Pate and Somerwell houses. On nearby streets are Grace Church and the Smith and Ballard houses. Reconstructed 18th century buildings, including the Swan Tavern, also help preserve Yorktown's historical atmosphere.
A map of Historic Yorktown is available at the Yorktown Battlefield. A free app from the Battlefield Trust is available that includes a tour of Historic Yorktown.
Details
Duration
30-120 Minutes
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Throughout much of the year, Main Street of Yorktown is closed to vehicles.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
- Pets are permitted within most areas of Yorktown Battlefield. Regulations require that dogs remain on a leash when out in the park.
- Pets are prohibited within the brick wall of the National Cemetery.
- The leaving of pets unattended or tied to any object in the park is prohibited, including the exterior of motor vehicles parked with park boundaries. Pets may not be left unattended within motor vehicles without proper ventilation and water or in weather that may be hazardous to the immediate welfare of the animal.
- Pet excrement shall be removed by the pet owner/handler from picnic areas, exhibit areas, trails and other areas with heavy public use.
Activity Fee
Yes
One can walk Main street without paying the fee. To go into the Nelson House a fee is required. There is a 10 dollar fee per person, to go on the Yorktown Battlefield Tour. National Park passes are honored. Passes and tickets are available at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.
Location
Main Street of Yorktown
Yorktown's Main Street starts just 450 yard from the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Informal tours of The Nelson House are offered through the year as staffing permits.
Time of Day
Day
Main street of Yorktown can be walked year round. For most of the year it is closed to vehicles
Informal tours of the Nelson House are offered through the year as staffing permits.
Accessibility Information
Accessibility
● Accessible bathrooms are located at the Visitor Center and the public restrooms at Church Street.(Church Street restrooms open April 1-October 31, 2014).
● Wheelchairs are available at the visitor center on a first come first serve basis free of charge. Borrowed wheelchairs should be returned to the Visitor Center 30 minutes prior to closing.
● The Moore House, Nelson House, and Cemetery Lodge historic structures are only accessible by steps. An informational brochure is available upon request at the visitor center or at the Nelson or Moore houses. Yorktown's streets are paved, but there are few sidewalks. Main Street is closed to vehicular traffic, April through October.