Historic Triangle, Virginia Peninsula, Virgina

For anyone interested in early American History, Colonialism, and the American Revolution, The Historic Triangle located on the Virginia Peninsula is not to be missed. Comprised of Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown, this triangle consists of historically restored buildings, living history scenes reenacted by students from the College of William and Mary, Visitors Centers, historic drives, and museums. The communities are linked by the Colonial Parkway, a pretty drive in this part of the state.

Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the New World, established in 1607, and now includes a reconstructed Native American village, a colonial fort, and replica ships operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In 1699, the capital of Virginia was moved from Jamestown to Williamsburg, in honor of King William III, and it was a busy place until the American Revolution. After the capital was moved to Richmond in 1780, Williamsburg became largely forgotten for almost 150 years. But today, Colonial Williamsburg is a large living museum of early American life with dozens of restored and recreated buildings and re-enactors. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

The third point in the triangle is Yorktown, where General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington in 1781 in the last land battle of the American Revolution. There are two visitor centers, battlefield drives, and a waterfront area.  

We set aside a couple of days during our stay in Ashland, Virginia to tour these historically significant parts of the country.