Yorktown Day

The world changed on October 19, 1781! Join in the festivities to commemorate the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 and the Revolutionary War victory that paved the way for America and her freedom.

The day begins with a wreath-laying ceremony followed by a patriotic parade down Main Street. Enjoy a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town, and be sure to visit all of the town’s historic sites, such as the Nelson House, Yorktown Custom House, York County Historical Museum, Watermen's Museum, and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. On the Battlefield Tour Roads, visit siege lines, redoubts, and Surrender Field.

The free, accessible Yorktown Trolley will be in operation beginning at 11 a.m. during this event.

On the Docket

8:25 a.m. - Commemorative Ceremony at the French Cemetery, Yorktown Battlefield. Sponsored by The American Friends of Lafayette and The Friends of Rochambeau

9:10 a.m. - Commemorative Ceremony at the French Memorial, honoring the French and American Alliance, sponsored by the French Wars Veterans Association in Washington, DC

9:10 a.m. - Wreath Laying Ceremony at the grave of Governor Thomas Nelson, Jr. at Grace Episcopal Church, Yorktown, sponsored by the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution

10:30 am - Flyover down Historic Main Street by the French Air Force, Lafayette Squadron

10:30 a.m. - Yorktown Day Parade, Main Street, sponsored by Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

11:15 am - Patriotic Exercises and Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Victory Monument, Yorktown, sponsored by the Yorktown Day Association and the National Park Service at Colonial National Historical Park

1 pm - Historic Nelson House, Swan Tavern and Poor Potter sites open for visiting until 4:00pm.

1 pm - The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps performance at The Victory Monument, Colonial National Historical Park

3 pm - The Williamsburg Youth Orchestra, outdoor performance at 405 Main St, Yorktown, presented by Yorktown and Co.

3:15 pm - Dr. Thomas Chávez lecture about Francisco de Saavedra (1746-1819) at York Hall