Before the Siege
September 6-7, 2025
Take a step back in time to see what life was like in the British Camp before the arrival of the American and French forces on September 28, 1781. Yorktown’s Historic Main Street will be transformed with military drills, camp life demonstrations, costumed interpreters, and more!
Experience Yorktown as it might have appeared under the occupation of His Majesty’s forces commanded by Lieutenant General Charles, Earl Cornwallis. Witness as the British dig in and fortify in the weeks before the Continental & French Army arrive to establish their siege lines. Watch British soldiers drill and execute their daily duties while local town folk go about their business. Come, enjoy, and learn the British story in the last major land battle to be fought in the Revolutionary War. This event is part of the Virginia250 Celebration. It is free and open to the public.
The free, accessible Yorktown Trolley will be running during this event.
