Jamestown and Yorktown: National Roots

For our last day in Williamsburg, we headed over to visit the historic site of Jamestown. After perusing the museum, we roamed the grounds, enjoying the setting. While there is not much left of the original settlement, you can explore the roads, and read the stories of the buildings that once stood along them, and the people that lived there. We also payed a visit to the Archaearium, which displays items found during Jamestown digs. After exploring the immediate site, we headed off on the driving loop to see more of the area. We wanted to visit the Jamestown Settlement, a living history reconstruction of Jamestown, but unfortunately, they were closed due to the holiday.

After we had our fill of Jamestown, we headed to Yorktown, which is handily included in the Jamestown National Park ticket price. Along the way we passed by a small lake where a pair of white swans were feeding. When we finally arrived in Yorktown, we were just in time for a Ranger led walk. I always love ranger programs at our national parks. The guides know their stuff, and seem to able to answer any question. We started at the top of the hill, discussed the British fortifications, and the types of canons used. Then we moved down the hill, between enemy lines and discussed the American army's approach and ultimate success in the last major battle of the American Revolution.

After our tour, we headed back to Williamsburg for one last show, an evening of dance at the governor's palace. We approached the house, lit by torches, in the form of iron bowls filled with burning wood attached to posts. We were led into one of the palaces ballrooms, aglow with a number of candles. In the corner sat two musicians, reading their music by candlelight. We were lucky to get front row seats and settle in for the show. I had been expecting an informative production, but what I got was far more theatrical, where we were just guests to a dance, and some were even asked to dance. In between dances done in full costume and makeup, the actors played out a small love triangle among the guests. Fortunately, all was brought to a happy ending, and we left for home the next morning, having had a wonderful start to the new year.