BGuthrie Photos: VA -- Yorktown Town (Colonial NHP)

VA -- Yorktown Town (Colonial NHP):

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[1] YORKT_050709_007.JPG	[2] YORKT_050709_011.JPG	[3] YORKT_050709_016.JPG
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Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. YORKT_050709_016.JPG: Tobacco Road: "For the prevention of abuses, frauds, and deceits, daily practised in the passing away of tobacco hogsheads, at a much higher tare [weight] then they really weigh, and for remedy of the great damages done... by tobaccoes being packt in hogsheads made of green and unseasoned timber, or such thin and unseasoned timber, or such thin and slight staves and hoops as will not endure rowling to the water, bee it enacted... an act regulating... hogsheads..." -- Virginia General Assembly, April 1691 The road trace below, called Tobacco Road, is a reminder of the vital role tobacco played as a major export commodity in colonial Virginia and in Yorktown's function as a port. Tobacco was prepared for shipment by compressing it into large barrels, called hogsheads. The government regulated weight of a hogshead of tobacco was set at 500 pounds for freight costs, but over packing to get more shipped for the same price was common. To deliver the tobacco to the port, a hogshead was attached to a shaft, which in turn was hitched to a horse or ox, and then rolled to the wharf. Yorktown's Tobacco Road provided access for thousands of hogsheads to reach the waterfront. In 1743, 11,587 hogsheads passed through Yorktown, one-third of the tobacco shipped from Virginia that year.
2. YORKT_050709_036.JPG: Dudley Digges House
3. YORKT_050709_051.JPG: Dudley Digges House, circa 1760 Historic Yorktown -- Colonial National Historical Park -- "... Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton directed them to charge into the town, (Charlottesville, Virginia)... and to apprehend, if possible, the governor and assembly. Seven members of the assembly were secured…and several officers and men, were killed, wounded, or taken." -- Lieutenant-Colonel Banastre Tarleton, A History of the Campaigns of 1780 and 1781 One of the members of the Virginia assembly captured by the British during their Charlottesville raid on June 4, 1781 was the former lieutenant governor of the state, Dudley Digges. Digges' capture ended his prominent political involvement in the American Revolution. The Digges family had participated in colonial government since the immigration in 1650 of Dudley' great-grandfather, Edward Digges, from England. Dudley was born around 1728 and by his early twenties was a practicing lawyer in York County. He served in the House of Burgesses from 1752 until the start of the American Revolutionary War. Throughout the war, Dudley remained active in numerous areas of Virginia government, including helping to write the commonwealth's first constitution and becoming one of the first members of the state council. Dudley's home, like so many other Yorktown houses, was damaged during the 1781 siege and rendered uninhabitable. Dudley moved to Williamsburg and died there in 1790. Dudley Digges built this classic Virginia Tidewater style home around 1760. The outbuildings, wellhouse, kitchen, granary, and smokehouse are typical of those found in the colonial era. The house was restored in 1960 and the outbuildings reconstructed by the National Park Service in the 1970s.
4. YORKT_050709_076.JPG: Nelson House
5. YORKT_050709_081.JPG: Nelson House, circa 1730: "General Nelson... was excelled by no man in the generosity of his nature, in the nobleness of his sentiments, in the purity of his Revolutionary principles, and in the exalted patriotism that answered every service and sacrifice that his country might need." -- James Madison, 1789 Thomas Nelson, Jr.'s legacy is a lasting example of a life dedicated to independence for his country. His support towards political freedom from Great Britain began while a member of Virginia's colonial legislature. In addition to protesting British taxes and leading Yorktown's tea party, patterned after the one in Boston, he was one of Virginia's delegates to the Continental Congress. In May 1776, he advocated that Virginia officially support independence -- a proposal that helped lead to the Declaration of Independence signed by Nelson and 55 others. Nelson continued to support the revolution through political channels and used his own funds to purchase military supplies. On June 12, 1781, he was elected the third governor of Virginia and faced the greatest challenge of his public career -- the invasion of the British army. As governor and general of his state's militia, Nelson participated in the victory at Yorktown. One day after the British surrendered, Governor Thomas Nelson, Jr. wrote to the Continental Congress: "... the whole loss sustained by the Enemy.... must be between 6 and 7000 men. This Blow, I think, must be a decisive one." In November 1781, Nelson resigned as governor, poor in health and in debt. He died on January 4, 1789, and was buried next to his father and grandfather at Grace Church, just one block from his home. One of the few tangible reminders of Thomas Nelson's sacrifice for independence is his home, which still bears scars from Allied cannon fire during the 1781 siege. Nelson's grandfather, Thomas, built the house around 1730. The Nelson family retained ownership of the house until 1908. In 1968, the National Park Service purchased the house and restored it to its 18th century appearance.
6. YORKT_050709_132.JPG: Custom House, circa 1720. "... collectors are hereby impowered [sic] to demand, secure, and receive all... the duties, customes and imposts... with full power to go on board any boat, ship or other vessel, or into any house... where he shall have just cause to suspect any fraud... collectors... shall... in April and October... render a true and just account upon oath, and make payment... of money as they... shall receive and collect for the duties..." An Act for Ports &c, April 16 , 1691 ,Virginia Legislative Assembly. In 1691, Virginia's colonial legislature passed "An Act for Ports," in an effort to better regulate trade for the collection of import and export fees and duties. The act called for the creation of several ports, including Yorktown, and the appointment of Collectors of Ports by the royal governor. During Yorktown's peak as a commercial port in the mid-1700s, Richard Ambler, and later his son, Jacquelin, served as collector of ports. In 1721, Richard Ambler built this large, brick stonehouse and from here he and his son handled their collector duties. Ship captains recently arriving and merchants arranging for transport of goods would convene at Ambler's storehouse to complete the required paperwork and pay the assessed fees. The outbreak of the American Revolution brought an end to many port activities, including the collection of customs. In 1776, Virginia militia troops were using the Custom House for barracks and two years later, Jacquelin Ambler sold the property. In 1924, the Comte de Grasse Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution purchased the Custom House and restored it five years later. Today, the Custom House still continues in use as a Chapter House and Museum.
7. YORKT_050709_136.JPG: Custom House
8. YORKT_050709_140.JPG: Cole Digges House, circa 1925 Historic Yorktown -- Colonial National Historical Park -- "... an example of all that was fine and most lasting in Colonial domestic architecture..." -- Clyde F. Trudell, 1938 Throughout its long history, the Cole Diggers House served many roles in the village of Yorktown. Originally used as a residence and warehouse, in later years was a teahouse/store and the First National Bank of Yorktown. In 1921, Mrs. Helen Paul of Michigan bought the building and four years later began a major remodeling project transforming the 200-year old building into its current appearance by applying the Colonial Revival style made popular at Colonial Williamsburg and reflected in original and reconstructed buildings along Main Street, including Swan Tavern, the Medical Shop, and the Nelson House. Colonial Revival elements include red brick, side lights at doorways, paneled or louvered wood shutters, and multi-sash windows. John H. Scarff, the architect who developed the plans for the building, stated that the "intention of this restoration (is) to preserve the spirit of an early Eighteenth Century cottage in all details." There were major changes to the exterior and interior, including raising the first floor seven inches, altering the north end chimney to provide a window opening on the second floor, installing an entry to the basement from Reed Street, adding wood paneling on the first floor walls, and adding a skylight in the stairwell. Slate replaced the wood shingles to protect the building from catching fire and "to give the appearance of an older roof." In 1968, the National Park Service acquired the building. Plans to repair the failing building included retaining the slate roof. However, the slate roof was replaced with wood shingles in 1978. In 2011, a simulated slate roof replaced the wood shingles, allowing for a more durable material and an appearance that more closely resembles the building's Colonial Revival restoration.
9. YORKT_050709_158.JPG: Somerwell House
10. YORKT_050709_161.JPG: Somerwell House. "On the Peticon of Mungo Somervell to this court for his keeping the ferry in York Towne of Same is accordingly granted..." -- York County Court, September 24, 1702. Prior to the American Revolution, the community of Yorktown consisted of individuals whose diverse jobs and skills contributed to the success of the port. Little information exists on many of Yorktown's early citizens, though court records help reveal the identity and livelihoods of some residents. Such is the case with Mungo Somerwell. The first reference to Somerwell is from 1702 Court papers that reveal he requested a license for operating a ferry. His surname in those records is spelled Somervell. Later county records also show that Somerwell, in addition to operating a ferry, simultaneously held several jobs, including that of merchant, keeper of an ordinary and town constable. At his death, around 1766/67, his widow was ordered by the court to have his estate "appraised at his late dwelling house." Somerwell's assets included the house, "gardens, stables, warehouses and appurtenances whatsoever." But where was Somerwell from? When was he born? Was he successful? Is this even the same house referred to in his estate appraisal or was it built by someone else after Somerwell's death? Future historians may find some of these answers, but for the present, details of Somerwell's life are a mystery. The house for many years was referred to as the Lightfoot House, after Philip Lightfoot, who purchased the property in 1716 as a rental investment. It is possible that he, and not Mungo Somerwell, built the current building, though many changes to the property may have destroyed evidence that would help determine the building's age. By the time the National Park Service acquired the property, the house had an extensive back wing, which was initially constructed during the Civil War for hospital use. After the war, the wing was enlarged, and the house served as a hotel. In 1935-1936, the National Park Service restored the house to its colonial appearance and utilized it for park headquarters and a visitor center..
11. YORKT_050709_165.JPG: Medical Shop (reconstructed)
12. YORKT_050709_169.JPG: West Along Main Street Historic Yorktown -- Colonial National Historical Park -- "York-Town... tho' but stragglingly built... makes no inconsiderable Figure. You perceive a great Air of Opulence amongst the Inhabitants, who have some of them built themselves Houses, equal in Magnificence to many of our superb ones at St. James' as those of Mr. Lightfoot, Nelson, &c/" -- Edward Kimber, "Observations in Several Voyages and Travels in America in the Year 1736." Yorktown's prosperity as a port peaked around the middle of the 18th century. By 1781, Main Street, as depicted in this painting, had become a quieter, less active avenue.
13. YORKT_050709_177.JPG: Medical Shop (reconstructed). Dr. Corbin Griffin was a prominent Yorktown physician active in the American Revolutionary War, serving as a surgeon with Virginia forces. During the Siege of Yorktown, he was imprisoned by the British on a ship anchored in the York River. During his confinement, his "cellar Down the watter Side" was pilfered by sailors from the British sloop Bonneta while other British troops took items from his medical shop.
14. YORKT_050709_182.JPG: Swan Tavern
15. YORKT_050709_186.JPG: Swan Tavern. "The Taverns are many here, and much frequented, and an unbounded Licentiousness seems to taint the Morals of the young Gentlemen of this Place... amiable Hospitality... seems... to have found no great Footing: Schemes of Gain, or Parties of Gaming and Pleasure, muddy too much their Souls, and banish from amongst them the glorious Propensity to doing good." -- Edward Kimber, "Observations in Several Voyages and Travels in America in the Year 1736". The most prominent tavern in Yorktown during the 18th century was the Swan Tavern, which opened for business around 1722 under the ownership of Thomas Nelson and Joseph Walker. Strategically located one block from the town's thriving waterfront and across the street from the county courthouse, the Swan Tavern provided its customers with drink, food and a place to socialize. The tavern was also the site of public auctions, including one advertised in the Virginia Gazette in 1757, where two cargo ships and their contents of "sugar, rum, indigo, pimento, coffee, ginger, cotton, etc." were sold "to the highest bidders, for ready Money." The tavern closed prior to the Civil War, and by 1862, occupying Union forces were storing munitions in the building. On the night of December 16, 1863, a fire destroyed the tavern in one huge explosion. In 1935, the National Park Service reconstructed the tavern and outbuildings to help recreate an important element of Yorktown's colonial history.
16. YORKT_050709_200.JPG: York Hall: "... it is hereby enacted... than an house suitable and fitt to hold courts in and as bigg in dimension att least as the present court house now is, be errected built and finished... within the said limitts of York Towne..." -- Virginia General Assembly, Laws of Virginia, September 1696. Early in York County's history, private homes were used for courthouses. Five years after Yorktown's founding, the colonial legislature authorized the construction of a permanent courthouse. While the location for the courthouse remained the same for 300 years, fire, war, and the need to improve courthouse facilities resulted in five courthouse buildings on this lot. In the Colonial period, court day was usually a major social event. It was an opportunity for people from the surrounding area to visit Yorktown, take care of local government business, witness trials and punishments, purchase goods from town merchants, and catch up on news. In 1997, a new, larger courthouse opened a quarter mile south of this location. The old courthouse, renamed York Hall, continues to meet the needs of government and community organizations and serves as the seat of County government by housing the meeting facilities for the York County Board of Supervisors. 1697-1733: Little is known about the first courthouse, which was probably a wooden building. 1733-1814: The second courthouse was a substantial brick structure. It turned in 1814. 1818-1863: Court was held in private homes until 1818, when the next courthouse was completed. This courthouse was accidentally destroyed during the Civil War. 1876-1940: In 1868, the county moved court to a wooden, unoccupied tenement erected in 1864, and formerly used as military barracks. In 1876, a new courthouse was constructed at a cost of $5,865. In 1940, a fire swept through the building's interior. 1955-Present: In 1941, with assistance from the National Park Service, York County began planning for a new courthouse. World War II delayed the project, but finally in 1955, the colonial revival style structure that stands here today was completed. The building's interior was extensively renovated after the 1997 of the new courthouse several blocks south on Ballard Street.
17. YORKT_050709_203.JPG: Courthouse
18. YORKT_050709_238.JPG: Grace Church
19. YORKT_050709_247.JPG: Grace Church -- circa 1697. "The pews and windows of the Church all broke & destroyed. The church was used as a magazine." -- York County Records, Claims for Loses of York County Citizens in the British Invasion, Claim No. 31, 1783. Grace Church, a religious centerpiece of Yorktown's history, has endured two wars, a devastating fire, and at times, the crumbling of "old age," while continuing to serve as a place of worship for over 300 years. Constructed about 1697 for the York Parish of the Anglican Church, the official Church of England, the church was an integral part of the colonial community. Citizens were required to regularly attend services or face criminal prosecution. Additionally, religious events such as weddings, funerals, confirmations and Sunday services provided people with social opportunities. In the aftermath of the American Revolution, Virginia's Anglican churches lost their government support. The churches struggled to survive while reorganizing as the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia. The Yorktown congregation had additional challenges because the town's population had decreased over 60% as a result of the war. The resiliency of the congregation was tested again in 1814 when a fire destroyed the church's roof and interior. For the next 34 years, worship services were held in various locations, including the courthouse and the Nelson House. In 1847, Bishop John Johns wrote, "The stone walls of the old Church... are still standing. It is proposed to use them, in part, to provide a suitable place for our services." By the fall of 1848, the church had been rebuilt, utilizing the original walls. It became known as Grace Church for the first time. Today, the congregation of Grace Church remains active in the Yorktown community, while the building continues to offer a link to Yorktown's colonial past. The churchyard includes several major figures. The following description comes from the church's brochure: Nicholas Martiau, a French Hugenot and military engineer, came to Virginia in 1620. After the 1622 massacre at Jamestowne, he built a high wooden palisade extending from the James River to the York River. For this undertaking, he was awarded land along the York River. George Read and Elizabeth Martiau Read, daughter and son-in-law of Nicholas Martiau, George and Elizabeth were forbears of both Thomas Nelson Jr. and George Washington. "Scotch Tom" Nelson, of Penrith, England, came to Virginia in 1700, where he married Margaret Read. He built the Nelson House which still stands on main street. His son William Nelson presided over the King's Council for many years. The inscription on his stone was nearly indecipherable. Thanks to Helen Keller, who read it by touch, the entire epitaph was able to be re-inscribed. Thomas Nelson, Jr., named for his grandfather, was the son of William and Elizabeth Burwell Nelson. Educated in England, he returned to Virginia to a seat in the House of Burgesses. A civil and military leader in the separation from England, as a Virginia delegate he signed the Declaration of Independence. During the Revolution, when money was needed to pay troops and run the government, he resorted to borrowing on his personal security, which decimated his great wealth.
20. YORKT_050709_276.JPG: Cole Digges House
Wikipedia Description: Yorktown, Virginia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yorktown is a census-designated place (CDP) in York County, Virginia, United States. The population was 203 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of York County, one of the 8 original shires formed in colonial Virginia in 1634.

It is most famous as the site of the surrender of General Cornwallis to General George Washington in 1781. Although the war would last for another year, this British defeat at Yorktown did effectively end the American Revolutionary War. Yorktown also figured prominently in the American Civil War (1861-1865), serving as a major port to supply both northern and southern towns, depending upon who held Yorktown at the time.

Today, Yorktown is part of an important national resource known as the Historic Triangle of Yorktown, Jamestown and Williamsburg, and is the eastern terminus of the Colonial Parkway. Yorktown is also the eastern terminus of the TransAmerica Trail, a bicycle touring route created by the Adventure Cycling Association.

History:

Yorktown was named for York, a city in Northern England, and was founded in 1691 as a port for shipping tobacco to Europe.

Yorktown was the base of British General Charles Cornwallis during the 1781 siege of Yorktown, the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. Nine buildings still survive from this period, as well as many of the earthworks dug by the besieging American and French forces. There is also a memorial to the French war dead of the battle.

Yorktown was also used as the base for the Federal Army of the Potomac under General George B. McClellan in the 1862 Peninsular Campaign.

Geography:

Yorktown is situated along the York River in southeastern Virginia. Yorktown has several distinct areas. Yorktown Village or Historic Yorktown is set on the York River, near the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge that spans said river to reach Gloucester Point. Historic Yorktown is comprised first of a small strip along the beach of the York River, Water Street, which contains several small restaurants, a park, a hotel, a pier, and as of May 2005 completed a building project that has small shops and restaurants. Next, Main Street sits above Water Street on a bluff, around which the architecture is almost exclusively original. The old court house, several small shops, the Nelson house, as well as the Yorktown Monument sit along this road. Around the center of the town are residential streets. Also, architecturally of note is Grace Episcopal Church, situated on Church St. near the old courthouse of Yorktown. Shops and eateries making up the "Riverwalk" section on the waterfront opened in May 2005. Colonial National Historical Park, which contains Yorktown National Battlefield and Yorktown National Cemetery, is located on the outskirts of the town. President's Park is a new attraction displaying large outdoor statues of the heads of each American President accompanied by biographical plaques.

U.S. Highway 17 or George Washington Memorial Highway is the primary thoroughfare of Yorktown, and cuts past Yorktown by way of the Coleman Bridge. York County has grown rapidly, and in 15 years the stretch of U.S. 17 that passes through York county has grown from a small road going through mostly wooded areas to a heavily traveled route on which numerous strip malls and commercial areas are situated. Most of the residential areas of York County branch off of Route 17. Almost all of the recent growth of York County has occurred on or near Route 17, rather than near Yorktown, which at this point is becoming much more of a historical colonial village, much like Williamsburg, Virginia, under the guidance of the National Park Service.

Geography makes Yorktown a strategic place in control of the river of Virginia and access to the Chesapeake Bay.

Currently two military installations are located in York County:

* Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, which serves as the point at which United States Navy vessels load and unload ordnance. There have been reports of nuclear weapons stored there.
* United States Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown, which serves as a training school for the United States Coast Guard.

Yorktown is also close to Naval Station Norfolk at Norfolk, Virginia and the shipyards at Newport News, Virginia.
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