Did you know Sunday, March 30, is National Take a Walk in the Park Day? It was a day born from the concept of getting out and back to exploring the great outdoors in light of burgeoning springtime weather.
Here in the Mid-Atlantic region, we have plenty of options available to us for dutifully doing just that. With its rich history, the State of Virginia, in particular, boasts so many premium parks that not only exude the essence of nature and the natural world around us but also captivate us through their containment of myriad cultural and heritage sites. One of the best overall examples can be found in Colonial National Historical Park. Not only does this overall encompassing area provide a vast array of callouts to our nation’s past, but it also includes both Historic Jamestowne and the Yorktown Battlefield among its contained boasting rights.
For this Flashback Friday, I will lead you on a “walk” through what Colonial National Historical Park has to offer. Through our exploration, I will briefly highlight some of the park’s historically significant callouts to take note of along the way.
Historic Jamestown
Alternately referred to as “Historic Jamestowne” Jamestown is most notable as being the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Formally established back in 1607, the folks of Virginia Colony first erected James Fort at what would come to be known as Jamestown Island, located on the James River. This was to protect against Native American tribes in the area as well as the Spanish settlements down in the south. From here, town life was established in the immediate area.
Throughout the centuries, Jamestown became the site of many historically significant milestones. From the starving times in 1609 and 1610 to burnings in part of Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676, the community even got a taste of notable action during both the American Revolution and the Civil War. With that all being said, you can easily spend a leisurely day’s stroll profiling all the highlights and history this part of the park provides.
Jamestown was designated as a National Historic Site on December 18, 1940, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. It is dually operated in partnership between Preservation Virginia and the United States National Park Service, where it is included as part of the comprising Colonial National Historical Park.
Yorktown Battlefield
You’ll also find Yorktown Battlefield within Colonial National Historical Park. Located at the park’s eastern end (York County, Yorktown), Yorktown Battlefield is where the last major battle of the American Revolution was fought in 1781, resulting in the surrender of Cornwallis. That took place at the Moore House. Built around 1725 on a 500-acre parcel of land called Temple Farm, Moore House can also still be found on location here.
Another historic home onsite is the Thomas Nelson House, which was built in or before 1730 and served as the home to the Nelson family across many generations. It also served as Cornwallis’s headquarters during the final battle of the Revolutionary War. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. Two years later, it was acquired by the National Park Service.
Another detour you may consider while exploring Yorktown is the American Revolution Museum. A great way to discover even more about our nation’s past during the American Revolution, this is the ultimate supplemental stop to consider when making your rounds. Learn more on their website.
The scenic Yorktown Riverwalk Landing area is another suggestion, especially for those looking to mix in history, scenic sightseeing, and cultivated cultured stops of a more versatile distinction—one that equally appeals to modern charms yet remains respectful of preservation for the past. Here, you can enjoy many recreational endeavors, from shopping to dining and leisurely strolling, of course. Discover all it has to offer on the website link here.
Green Spring Plantation
Another site to stop by is that of Green Spring Plantation. A 17th-century landmark, this historic plantation was once home to Virginia Governor Sir William Berkeley. The house was built in 1645 and owned by Governor Berkley until he died in 1677. The National Park Service acquired the site in 1966 as part of Colonial National Historical Park. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 29, 1978.
Colonial Parkway
The park also includes the very scenic Colonial Parkway. With its vast 23-mile stretch (37 km), Colonial Parkway is crucial as a link to what is commonly called the “three points of Virginia’s Historic Triangle.” You’ll discover plenty of detours to stop at along the way, making for great drives or get-out-and-explore opportunities. It’s also more profuse as a nature enthusiast destination, an alternative for children, or something for less history-minded explorers.
Island Drive
A more esoteric excursion can be found along Island Drive. A much smaller, albeit still abundantly scenic road that’s also part of the Colonial National Historical Park setup, Island Drive offers one of the most intact, touched, unbridled displays of nature as would have been encountered by Colonial settlers when they first arrived here. It comprises 1559.5 acres of marsh and woodlands and consists of two unique routes—one spanning three miles and a slightly longer one that’s five.
These are only a few considerations to keep in mind as you stroll along Colonial National Historical Park. Visit the Colonial National Historical Park website to learn more.
Remember that there are many other heritage sites and parks to explore throughout the state in addition to all of these. Virginia truly offers a wealth of historical callouts commemorating our nation’s past, as well as lush natural wonders to enthrall hikers, explorers, and adventurers of all different distinctions.