1781 Before the Siege. The British come to Yorktown

September 6th-8th

Experience the historical village of Yorktown as it might have appeared in September of 1781, under the occupation of His Majesty's forces commanded by Lieutenant General Charles, Earl Cornwallis.
Witness as the British dig in and fortify Yorktown in the weeks before the Continental & French Army arrive to establish their siege lines. Stand on the grounds where it really happened 243 years ago.
Watch British soldiers drill and execute their daily duties. See local town folk of the day going about their business under the watchful eye of the administration of Lord Cornwallis’s soldiers.
Demonstrations by the British Army & Naval forces, and Camp followers, will intrigue visitors, offering a glimpse into a period in our history long past. Come, enjoy, and engage with His Majesty’s forces and learn the British story in the last major land battle to be fought in the American Rebellion in North America

Event Schedule6-7 September 2025

British Camps / Location: Swan Tavern Field

Open to PublicSaturday/Sunday10:00 to 3:30

Redoubt 9/10 / Location: NPS Battlefield

Saturday/Sunday10:00 to 3:30

Firelock Demonstration / Location: William Nelson Field

Saturday/Sunday 10:30 / 12:30 / 2:30

Royal Artillery Demonstration / Location: NPS Visitor Centre (NPS Volunteers)

Saturday/Sunday 10:30 / 11:30 /12:30 / 1:30

Drill/Soldier Manual of Arms DemonstrationLocation: York Hall Site #5

Saturday/Sunday11:00 / 1:30 / 3:30

PatrollingLocation: Main Street & Water Street

Saturday/Sunday10:00 to 3:30

Garrison Demonstrations	Saturday/Sunday10:00 to 3:30
Location: York Hall Site #6	Blacksmith
Location: Nelson House Site #7	Surgeon
Location: Mobjack Café field Site #9	Camp Followers