Grace Church, Yorktown
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Grace Church is a historic Episcopal church in Yorktown, Virginia, set above the York River in the heart of the Historic Triangle. Built around 1697, it remains an active congregation as well as a striking stop for visitors exploring Yorktown’s colonial and Revolutionary-era history. The historic church is at 115 Church Street; check with the church or York County Tourism before visiting, since access and tour availability can vary.[1][2]
Why Grace Church matters
Yorktown’s parish church was built in 1697, soon after the town’s establishment. It was originally known as York-Hampton Parish Church and became a religious and community landmark in the colonial town. The building is notable for its early marl construction: the locally quarried material hardens as it dries.[3][4]
The church’s history follows Yorktown through several periods of conflict and rebuilding. During the Revolutionary War, British forces used the building as a magazine. A fire damaged it in 1814; it was rebuilt in 1848. During the Civil War, Union troops used the church as a hospital, and the building returned to service in 1870. Grace Church is listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.[5]
What to see
The historic church is the main draw: look for its simple exterior, associated with Yorktown’s early parish history, and the churchyard surrounding it. The cemetery includes the tomb of Thomas Nelson, as well as the grave of his grandson Thomas Nelson Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Treat the churchyard as an active place of worship and burial, and follow any posted guidance when looking around.[6]
The church property sits on a bluff above the York River and is within walking distance of Yorktown’s Main Street and waterfront. It makes a natural addition to a visit that includes Yorktown Battlefield, the Yorktown Victory Monument, or the historic village.[7]
Visiting
The church is an active congregation, not a museum with guaranteed public hours. York County Tourism lists weekday daytime access for private prayer or a brief look inside, and free docent tours during select Yorktown events; these arrangements may change. Confirm current opening details directly before making a special trip, and be prepared for worship or church activities to affect access.[8]
The church’s Parish Hall and administrative offices are at 111 Church Street, while the historic church building is at 115 Church Street. The congregation’s official website publishes worship information and contact details; call or email ahead with questions about visiting the church or grounds.[9][10]
Make it part of a Yorktown visit
Grace Church is close to other historic sites in the village and pairs well with a broader day in Yorktown, Virginia. Explore the waterfront at Yorktown Beach and Riverwalk Landing, or follow the Revolutionary story at Yorktown Battlefield and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. The Colonial Parkway connects Yorktown with Jamestown, Virginia and Williamsburg, Virginia, making the church an easy historic stop within a wider Historic Triangle itinerary.
Related books: Browse related Virginia books on Amazon
References
- ↑ Contact, Grace Church Yorktown. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Attractions & Museums, Visit Yorktown, York County, Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Historic Yorktown, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Grace Church, Virginia Landmarks Register, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Grace Church, Virginia Landmarks Register, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Grace Church, Virginia Landmarks Register, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Who We Are, Grace Church Yorktown. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Attractions & Museums, Visit Yorktown, York County, Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Contact, Grace Church Yorktown. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Worship, Grace Church Yorktown. Retrieved October 22, 2026.