Sensory overload is the phenomenon CC and I are experiencing; so much history in such a small area. We purchased the 7 day pass ($79.95 each) that allowed us to tour all 3 locations at our leisure during the one week period. We could have easily spent more time here, but there is only so much feeble old brains like ours can comprehend and absorb.
Jamestown - In 1607, 13 years before the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, a group of 104 English men and boys began a settlement on the banks of Virginia's James River. They were sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, whose stockholders hoped to make a profit from the resources of the New World. The community suffered terrible hardships in its early years, but managed to endure, earning the distinction of being America's first permanent English colony. (As always, click on any image to enlarge.)
Yorktown - On October 19, 1781, the decisive military campaign of the American Revolution culminated with the British surrender to combined American and French forces under the command of George Washington. The Siege of Yorktown effectively ended the six-year struggle of the Revolutionary War and set the stage for a new government and nation.
The Nelson House is beautifully restored mansion of early Georgian architecture, this was the home of Thomas Nelson, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Governor of Virginia and commander of the Virginia Militia during the siege of Yorktown. The house is mainly made out of bricks that originated from England.
The Yorktown battlefield is about 800 yards from this historic house, where errant British cannonballs still lie embedded in the brick exterior.
Williamsburg, an independent city located on the Virginia Peninsula in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia, USA. As of the 2010 Census, the city had an estimated population of 14,068. It is bordered by James City County and York County, and is an independent city. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Williamsburg with James City County for statistical purposes.
Originally Middle Plantation, a 1632 fortified settlement located on high ground on the Peninsula between the James and York rivers, it was renamed Williamsburg after the capital of the Virginia Colony was moved there from Jamestown in 1698. The town received a royal charter as a city in 1722, and was the center of political events in Virginia leading to the American Revolution.
The Governors Palace, home to seven royal governors, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson.
Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette, often known by simply Lafayette, played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War against England. Some historians conclude that he and our Founding Father, George Washington, had a father-son relationship, and it was he, Lafayette, that rode into Williamsburg and announced the Patriots defeat of the British at Yorktown, which was the last major battle of the war.
Every once in a while I see something intriguing; such was the case with this automatic gate closer. Ingenious you say? What else were the early patriots to do with all of the cannon balls after the war ended?
Tomorrow is a travel day as we motor toward Washington, DC, to visit friends and tour the Smithsonian Museum(s). We needed a small break, to allow the swelling of our brains to subside. This full timing is starting to be like work; we must find a happy medium if we are to survive. Otherwise, we may as well go back to work………......................……….NOT!
Until next time, take care, stay well and thanks for dropping by to check on us.
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