The historic triangle tour in Virginia includes the historical sites of Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown. This is a great vacation place to visit for American history enthusiasts.
One of the things we always make a point of doing on vacation is looking up local history and exploring the area. This particular trip was planned specifically to explore American history. Neither of us had visited Virginia before, and we enjoyed that aspect as well. Virginia is a beautiful state. We visited the week of the 4th of July.
While we drove to Williamsburg from our home in Georgia, we explored the Historic Triangle with Oleta Bus Tours. I do recommend Oleta if you are looking for a good bus tour in the area. Our tour package included tickets for entry to all of the places we visited. Our tour guide was exceptionally well prepared. He kept us safe and well-informed. The bus was very comfortable. We also did the Washington D.C. tour with Oleta later in the week.
Table of Contents
- Jamestown Settlement
- Yorktown
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Tips for your visit
- The Historic Triangle Tour
- More Places To Visit in the Southeast
Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement is a place where you can experience living history. It is located near the site of the original colony.
Jamestown was probably more significant to us than our visit to Colonial Williamsburg. Although we enjoyed Colonial Williamsburg, there is more hands-on history available at Jamestown Settlement. You get to see what life was like for the English colonist as well as a replica Powhatan Indian village.
You are on your own time to roam free around the settlement. Live demonstrations are going on in most, if not all, of the buildings as well as in the outside area. Chickens roam free, so you can expect to encounter them along the way. They lay eggs wherever they choose.
We had the pleasure of watching a cooking demonstration inside one of the buildings at Jamestown Settlement. The structure is one big room, and the fireplace is the source of heat, so it doubles as the cooking source. As you can imagine, the menu was very short since everything was cooked inside a large kettle over an open flame. Even so, the ladies of Jamestown were some of the first recipe creators of our country. They had to be creative using the limited resources available to them at that time.
There are three replica ships on display at the bay. It is a pleasant walk from the settlement to the bay. Along the path, there are historical artifacts to enjoy. The Powhatan Indians resided in this area, so there is plenty of their artifacts to view.
Visitors are allowed to board all three ships, which are similar to the ones the first English settlers came over on in 1607. You wouldn’t believe how small the living area is on these ships! Fun fact: Captain John Smith came over on one of these ships.
This area was inhabited by the Powhatan Indians. As history has taught us, Pocahontas was Powhatan. You can read the history of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas’ relationship. This area is rich with American history.
You can see in the photo above how small the space is inside the ship. Cannons were necessary for protection, but I can only imagine how loud it would be to fire one off.
Yorktown
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Our last stop for the day was the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. It is a very beautiful place with tons of information to digest. You can see in the photo above that each section is laid out according to date. You can read the dates above the wall as you make your way down the hallway.
Interesting galleries showcase historical artifacts, immersive settings, and even films. One film, The Siege of Yorktown, was presented on a 180-degree surround screen with striking special effects.
My husband and I were looking up history online to read more about it after we got on the road home from our vacation.
Yorktown Battlefield
You will be standing in the same location where the American Revolutionary War was fought. If you are a history buff, this is the kind of vacation place you want to visit.
My husband and I were both in awe of Redoubt 10, pictured above at Yorktown Battlefield. First, we were standing right there where the freedom of our country was originally won. Then, to know you are walking where George Washington walked to end the battle and win the war.
There is a small farmhouse called Moore House, where the British signed the documents of surrender to end the war.
Tour options for Yorktown Battlefield include: Ranger-guided, Walking tours, a non-firing artillery demonstration, and during the summer months, you can join a costumed Interpreter to learn about life as a soldier during the American Revolution.
Learn more about these tours via the Yorktown Battlefield National Park Service site.
Yorktown Visitor Center: The Visitor Center is a stop on the route of a free trolley bus that loops through the historic and business districts of Yorktown. The free Yorktown trolley takes visitors to the downtown and historic areas of Yorktown. The visitor center is staffed by informed Park Rangers. You might like to know that there is a picnic area available. You can watch a 15-minute film about the Siege of Yorktown before continuing on your tour.
The Museum: The museum exhibits are based on artifacts found on the battlefield. One of George Washington’s tents is on display, which is pretty cool to see.
Beach and Riverwalk
Yorktown Beach and the Riverwalk Landing are other places you might enjoy spending time while vacationing in the area. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.
Because we were there during the 4th of July celebrations, there were tons of people in this popular area.
Colonial Williamsburg
You will want to plan a whole day for Colonial Williamsburg if you want to experience as much as possible. It is 301 acres of living history. There are 88 original 18th-century structures. Some replicas look realistic. Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum.
There is much to see and do in Colonial Williamsburg:
- If you enjoy learning about craftsmen and tradesmen, Colonial Williamsburg is the place for you. The Historic Trades and Skills community at Colonial Williamsburg uses 18th-century tools and techniques.
- The art museum and the John D. Rockefeller Library.
- There are two stages for live performances. You can check their calendar before you plan your visit.
- Walking tours
- Ghost tours
- You will also find restaurants to take a break. We enjoyed visiting the ice cream shop. We visited Colonial Williamsburg on the 4th of July, and it was quite hot outside. Ice cream was a good way to cool off.
Tips for your visit
The Historic Triangle Tour
There are many things to do on a visit to the Historic Triangle in Virginia. We couldn’t do it all. Use this guide to plan your trip to Virginia to visit the historic triangle.
We very much enjoyed our tour of the Historic Triangle. This vacation is one we continue to reflect upon because we enjoyed learning about American history at the place where the first settlers landed.
My favorite part was visiting the Yorktown Battlefield. I was in awe of standing in the same place where the Revolutionary War ended.
The other thing that sticks with me is how small the inside of the ships are at Yorktown Settlement.
It was also a twelve-hour drive for us, and it rained on the drive back home, the entire way! We remember that, too!
More Places To Visit in the Southeast
- Williamsburg White House Inn Bed & Breakfast Review
- 9 Historic Lighthouses In Virginia To Visit
- 10 Haunted Places To Visit in Virginia If You Dare
- 7 Best Southeastern Beaches For Families
- 11 Best Virginia Day Trips
- 13 Best Small Towns in North Carolina To Visit
- The Ultimate Guide To Driving Through Atlanta, Georgia
