Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown form the historic triangle–where colonists first settled and where Washington defeated Lord Cornwallis to end the American Revolution. Take a tour of George Washington’s Mount Vernon where his residence has been fully restored to how it appeared during his lifetime.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park marks the site of where Lee surrendered to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and ended the Civil War.
Historic Jamestowne
This National Historic Landmark site explores America’s early days. Step back in time with films, gallery exhibits and outdoor re-creations of 17th century life of Powhatan Indians, English colonists and West Central Africans during that era.
Walk through the original James Fort site, taking note of its 1907 memorial church, cemetery, and blacksmith tents. Don’t miss Pocahontas’ statue depicting her saving John Smith from execution at Chief Powhatan’s order!
Visits to this settlement require at least a full day to experience everything, but the journey is well worth your while. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack bug repellent in summer; there are mosquitos everywhere! Take some time out of your day for the Voorhees Archaearium; it showcases artifacts unearthed at this site jointly managed by National Park Service and Preservation Virginia and donations are accepted; but admission is free!
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia was an epicenter for political activity prior to and during the American Revolution. Home to one of America’s first Constitutional governments as well as its Governor’s Palace and Gardens as well as over 500 restored or reconstructed buildings furnished in period style, Williamsburg remains an active center today.
Visitors stroll the streets, while guides reenact eighteenth-century life with activities such as musket drills and firing of cannon. Visitors also tour prominent figures’ homes like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Patrick Henry as well as lesser-known residents such as Gowan Pamphlet – an enslaved preacher – which offer insight into life during that era.
The educational outreach of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation reaches thousands of students through books, recordings and videotapes; teacher-led student study visits and the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute provide educators with tools to bring history alive in their classrooms; in addition, this historic site informs Americans about its continuing relevance through cultural programs.
Colonial Park Cemetery
Colonial Park Cemetery in Savannah is one of its oldest and most haunted burial grounds, housing over 700 victims of Yellow Fever epidemic buried together in mass graves. Additionally, this cemetery served as dueling grounds until laws prohibited the sport in 1991.
Visitors to the cemetery can witness ghostly spirits roaming throughout its grounds. Some have reported hearing voices or smelling cigar smoke coming from tombs; others have witnessed orbs floating above headstones. Celeste Warlick captured this picture near the cemetery featuring orbs near a playground in 2012. While they could have been caused by dust, water vapor or insects – orbs can also be signs of life energy that’s coming alive!
Nathanael Greene was accidentally interred in Johnson Square when his body was moved there in 1902; other notable graves here include US Congressman and Revolutionary War general Samuel Elbert as well as Archibald Stobo Bulloch who served as mayor, customs agent, first governor of Georgia, great-great-grandfather to Theodore Roosevelt (T-Roo) himself!
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Virginia boasts many remarkable stories ranging from Thomas Jefferson eating a tomato to prove its nonpoisonousness to America’s bloodiest Civil War battle, to being home of one of America’s bloodiest Civil War battles. Attracting tourists and residents alike is Virginia’s Blue Ridge Institute and Museum – its state center for folklore which also provides traditional arts, music and a living history farm experience.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture serves as Virginia’s state museum and research center with an expansive collection that spans centuries, regions and topics. Established in 1928 as one of Virginia’s earliest cultural organizations and one of its oldest nationally, this institution stands today as an invaluable institution.
Yorktown played a pivotal role in both the American Revolution and Civil War. Visit the museum’s experiential theater to gain more knowledge on both battles before heading outside to view restored battlefield and siege lines, as well as Moore House where Cornwallis sent his men to negotiate surrender. An electric map program also offers more insight into their progress.
