Day 3: The end of a war and beginning of a nation
Yorktown Victory Center
and
Yorktown Battlefield
Yorktown, VA
Appropriately, the final leg of our trip through Colonial America was essentially where it ended, Yorktown. The small port town along the York River hosted the final major battle of the American Revolution, effectively ending the war and giving the United States its independence. Similar to Jamestown, there are two spots to visit around the Yorktown Battlefield. There’s a privately-maintained museum and the actual battlefield, maintained by the National Park Service.
Yorktown Victory Center
Museum
“Road to Revolution” Timeline
Galleries
The path to the main galleries was lined with panels listing the major events and several noteworthy quotes from the period leading up to the Revolutionary War creating a timeline.
The galleries were very well done. The exhibits were excellent. They were very visually pleasing, there’s just a LOT of information there. It’s almost overwhelming. We skimmed through a most of it, but had to skip parts to save time. Unfortunately, we had to be the rain coming in and still had an eight hour drive ahead.
Continental Army Encampment
Officer’s Tent
A tool to drill into a skull (how appropriate)
Musket Firing Demonstration
In the camp, we stopped by almost every station to ask a few question. On one end, we had an opportunity to learn and play a few games the Continental Army soldiers would have passed the time with. At Camp Surgeon’s tent we had a hands-on lesson regarding the time-period’s medical instruments, with a brief explanation of their treatment philosophies. Finally, at the weapons corner, we were treated to a private musket firing demonstration.
Cannon Firing Demonstration
Before leaving, we returned to the camp for an artillery firing demonstration. It was pretty cool, but the lead up was rather lengthy. Unlike most artillery demonstration I’ve seen, they really focused on involving the younger crowd, unfortunately, it bored me.
1780’s Farm
Farm Kitchen
At first the farm seemed like a random addition to a Revolutionary War museum, but I eventually figured it out and it made complete sense. Considering Yorktown ended the war (and the museum is focused on that particular battle), the exhibit gives a glimpse of life in the newly-independent America. Duh…
This morning’s Flickr set: exhibit pics
*photography was not permitted inside the galleries
Colonial National Historical Park – Yorktown Battlefield
The battlefield was the site of two sieges over a course of 100 years, planning a role in two of the most significant wars to take place in this country. The first, and more notable, ended the American Revolution, while the second occurred near the beginning of the Civil War.
American Revolution
In September 1781, the American army under George Washington and French forces under Comte de Rochambeau marched from New York to join the Americans under Marquis de Lafayette holding the British Army at Yorktown. The three armies took position surrounding the trapped Brits under Lord Cornwallis, as the French Fleet, under Comte de Grasse, formed a blockade around the port. After a week of artillery bombardment and infantry attacks during the First Siege of Yorktown, Cornwallis reluctantly surrendered his army.
~British Forces~
British Inner Defense Line
We started in enemy territory, where the visitor center is, and walked along the British inner defense trench line. As the three Allied armies converged on Yorktown, Cornwallis pulled his forces back to this line, where they remained through the siege.
~Allied Forces~
Artillery at the French Trench Overlook
French Grand Battery
An American Battery along the Second Allied Siege Line
The French Grand Battery was the largest gun placement on the first Allied siege line when it opened fire on the Brits. Within a few days after commencing their bombardment, the allied forces pushed forward and constructed a second siege line.
Civil War
During MG George B. McClellan’s 1862 Peninsula Campaign, Confederate forces reconstructed and occupied some of the former British breastworks to defend the town. The Second Siege of Yorktown took place in April between McClellan’s Army of the Potomac and Gen. Joseph E. Johnson’s Army of Northern Virginia. The month-long siege accomplished very little other than delaying McClellan’s advance north, as the Confederates quietly withdrew toward Richmond before any major action took place.
Yorktown National Cemetery
I saw very little within the field itself regarding the Civil War battle, however, a National Cemetery did sit proudly in the midst of the Revolutionary trenches and markers. Over 2,000 soldiers, including 10 Confederates, were interred, with most being unknown.
Unfortunately, our visit was cut short by a storm. It started pouring while we were exploring the second Allied siege line, so we left. It was kind of disappointing, but really, overall we were pretty lucky this weekend. The weather held up long enough for us to fit in 4 1/4 of the five sites. Not bad. I’ll just have to make another trip down to finish the battlefield tour. Again, not bad.
This afternoon’s Flickr set: battlefield pics
A place of sacrifice and perseverance.
Valley Forge, PA
I’m not sure why I decided to drive up to Valley Forge today. It just felt like the thing to do. It’s about 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia, which seemed reasonable. I have yet to visit a Revolutionary War site and wanted to do something new.
In 1777-78, the George Washington moved his ragged Continental Army to Valley Forge for the winter. The six-month encampment has come to symbolize American sacrifice and perseverance. The officers and men struggled through the harsh weather, fighting off disease and training hard, to reemerge as a legitimate fighting force.
Park Grounds
Welcome Center
Morning Mist
Joseph Plumb Martian Trail
Mount Joy
The park was well maintained. The welcome center exhibits were very well done and informative. There are a variety of paved and dirt trails winding through the park, which was surprisingly busy. There were just a lot of people out, it was actually kind of nice. There were walkers, joggers and cyclists all over the place. For whatever reason, it always makes me smile to see people taking advantage of an opportunity to be active. Weird, I know.
Continental Army’s encampment
The “log city” on the site of Muhlenburg’s Brigade encampment
George Washington’s Headquarters
Grand Parade
Reconstructed Redoubt
The army suffered through the six-month encampment in extreme winter conditions with limited food and inadequate clothing. The vulnerable soldiers were ravaged by disease, with more than 2,000 deaths over that winter. However, it was also as a turning point for the American Army in terms of their combat readiness. The time was used to properly train the soldiers, under the supervision of an experienced Prussian military officer, leaving the valley as a formidable fighting force.
Memorials
National Memorial Arch
MG Friedrich von Steuben memorial
Washington Memorial Chapel
Friedrich von Steuben was a Prussian army officer who joined the Continental Army at Valley Forge. Having had military experience, he created the fledging Army’s drill manual, laying out his training program implemented during the encampment. He was eventually appointed Inspector General of the Army. Under his tutelage, the soldiers became a more effective army, ready to take on the British.
Overall, it was a nice trip. I wouldn’t mind going back and would definitely recommend it.
Today’s Flickr set: park photos
Back to the beginning of our Democracy
Philadelphia, PA
Adding even more variety to my walks, today I drove up to the Historic District of Philly. The area was bustling with activity in preparation for this week’s Fourth of July celebrations. Once again, my brain didn’t make the connection between the upcoming holiday and the historical significance of my destination choice. I mean, duh, it’s nearing Independence Day and I chose to go to where the Declaration was actually signed hundreds of years ago? Umm… yeah, it’s going to be busy.
Historic District
City Tavern and US Custom House
Independence Historical Park
Liberty Bell
Independence Hall
National Constitution Center
The historical park mainly consists of the Visitor Center, the Liberty Bell House, the original Pennsylvania government buildings, and the large National Constitution Center. The Liberty Bell is housed in a simple building, with a few exhibits regarding its history and significance. It has a security station that visitors must pass through. Fortunately, there wasn’t a long line, so I didn’t have to wait, but I imagine later in the day it could really slow things down.
Independence Square, with its series of three historical halls, is across the street from the bell. Congress Hall housed the US Congress between 1790 and 1800. The centerpiece, Independence Hall, formerly the Pennsylvania State House, is where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were written. Finally, the Old City Hall held the US Supreme Court between 1791 and 1800. The beginnings of our Democratic government were right there.
I decided not to tour Independence Hall, due to limited time. It requires a free-timed ticket and the line was already too long. I wasn’t in the mood to wait around. I had places to go and things to see. I was content to admire it from across the street.
I wanted to visit the National Constitution Center , however I didn’t get the chance. It just wasn’t open while I was in the vicinity. I’ve heard it’s very interesting. In fact, my waitress at lunch even recommended it later in the day. The problem was by the time it did open I was across town and too tired to make my way back. It’s one of the inconvenient parts about touring areas on a Sunday (and in the morning). I’ll have to save it for another trip.
Society Hill
I finished my walk strolling through the historic Society Hill neighborhood. I enjoy walking through such quiet residential areas. I wouldn’t mind eventually buying an old house in a historic district with a cobble-stone street. I know it would probably take a lot of work and money to renovate, but it could be an interesting project. Of course, it also depends on where I settle down, whether that’s even possible.
Washington Square District
American Revolution Tomb of the Unknown
I visited two of the city’s original squares, including Washington Square. It was a nice quiet open space, with plenty of seating and trees for shade. It seemed like a great place to plop down to read for a while, not that I needed such a break. The Revolutionary War Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, including an eternal flame and fountain, is located in the center of the park.
The second was Franklin Square, which was very busy. It was smaller and contained a playground and other kids’ attractions, making it a popular spot for families. Today there was a sand-sculpture exhibit throughout the space. It was kind of neat. The city’s Fire and Law Enforcement Personnel Memorial sits quietly on the edge of the square.
As a side note, the Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson rented a room and drafted the Declaration of Independence, sits in-between the two.
Penn’s Landing
Delaware River, view of New Jersey from Penn’s Landing
The final piece to my trip was a walk through Penn’s Landing along the Delaware River. The pier is a hot spot for festivals and concerts. It also has a few maritime museums, one large building and a few ships.
I had a great day, but I was certainly exhausted by the time I reached my car. Hopefully I’ll make my way back to Philly at some point, but I feel good about what I accomplished while there today.
Today’s Flickr set: city photos
One of the things about traveling solo is that it makes me a perfect target for strangers to talk to. Not that I mind, it’s a great way to find out more about the area and just interesting tid-bits of info. I’ve met some neat and/or friendly people so far during my outings, and today was no different. My waitress at lunch took note of me and actually stood around chatting for a while. She recommended a few must-see attractions, most of which I had already stopped by and told me about the various large festivals held at Penn’s Landing. Apparently, it’s a pretty happening place, however nothing was going on today, just the way I’d prefer it.
A trip to GW’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA
and
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Virginia
I had a softball tournament penciled in for the day, but a few teams backed out and it was cancelled. Bummer, but it gave me a chance to take another weekend photo trip. Wow, and it was a great day for it.
Mount Vernon
The estate was George and Martha Washington’s former home, which has since been turned into a living memorial to the first President.
Upper Garden Greenhouse
Mansion
I chose to skip the mansion tour because I did not want to fuss with the crowd. The line to get in stretched down along the large green in front of it with a predicted wait time of over an hour. Yeah, that’s not for me. Maybe another time.
View from behind the Mansion overlooking the Potomac River
George Washington’s Sarcophagus in the “New Tomb”
Washington was originally buried with about 20 family members in the estate’s original (Old) tomb on the property. Remnants of the old tomb are still there, but it was very humble and run down. In his will, Washington left instructions to have a new tomb built, and the entire family was re-interred after its completion. Martha is resting right beside him.
16-Sided Barn in the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer Site
At the back of the property, down by the river, there’s an area created to show off Washington’s innovative farming techniques. There were a couple individuals in period dress doing demonstrations and answering questions. The center point is the reconstructed 16-sided treading barn, which Washington designed for wheat processing.
The site is full of flower gardens and orchards. I’m sure they are beautiful in early spring, but were rather bland during my trip. It’s a relatively large property and great walk. It seemed the two most popular spots were the Mansion and the New Tomb, which you have to squeeze your way in to see. Other than that, it wasn’t too bad in terms of crowds.
There’s a large museum near the gate dedicated to the first President’s life. It covers his childhood, his Continental Army service, Presidency and so on. It was very well down. Educational, and not overwhelming.
My final verdict: it was a nice trip, but I see no need to go back more than once.
George Washington Parkway
My route to and from Mount Vernon was the GW Parkway, so I stopped at a few places along the way has I headed home.
View across the Potomac to DC
Navy-Marine Memorial in the Lady Bird Johnson Park
The Pentagon
The parkway has numerous pull-offs and small parks along the route and on a nice day, it’s a very busy place. A lot of people use the paved path winding along the river for recreational purposes. There are a lot of joggers, cyclists, and walkers. It’s nice to see.
I had a little difficulty parking at the Lady Bird Johnson Park. There were only a few spaces, all of which were filled. I had to wait in my car for a short period until something opened up. If it were more convenient for me to get to the area, I wouldn’t mind using it more often. The path would be a great place to just walk off the stress from the day. The scenery is gorgeous. It’s quiet, even with all of people using it. Some of the parks are very peaceful and look perfect to sit around and relax in. Of course, there are a few great views across the river to Washington.
At one point I ended up mixed up and had to turn around. Well, my attempt to do so landed me in a back parking lot near the Pentagon. Not really my idea of relaxing. The parking was meant for the Lyndon B. Johnson Park across a small bridge. I considered walking over to it, but it was getting a little dark so I skipped it.
Today’s Flickr set: site pictures
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