Historic Triangle

Introducing Historic Triangle

If all the events of Virginia’s past haven’t done in your head yet, the Historic Triangle of Jamestown (British North America’s first settlement), Yorktown (final battle of the American Revolution) and Williamsburg (colonial Virginia’s capital) awaits.

Bad news first: the roads are clogged, the kids are loud, and in an effort to get everyone into history, some of the sites are a bit cartoonish. But there’s a lot of good, too. Park rangers and costumed interpreters are enthusiastic, love to chat, and really know their stuff, especially esoteric lore you won’t find in books. The quieter sites are not as immediately gripping, but give yourself a minute and the weight of what has passed will quickly sink in.

A daily free shuttle travels between the Williamsburg visitor center, Yorktown and Jamestown. A five-day open ticket to Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield and the Yorktown Victory Center is $70 for adults and $30 for children aged six to 17. Tickets can be bought at the Williamsburg visitor center or online at www.historyisfun.org.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009