View source for Continental Army Encampment at Yorktown

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The Continental Army Encampment is a recreated outdoor exhibit at the [[American Revolution Museum at Yorktown]], where interpreters bring Revolutionary-era military life into view through camp settings, demonstrations and conversation. It offers a hands-on complement to [[Yorktown Battlefield]], the nearby landscape where American and French forces besieged the British army in 1781. Check the museum’s official site before visiting for current schedules, admission and access details.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.jyfmuseums.org/visit/american-revolution-museum-at-yorktown/living-history/continental-army-encampment
 |title=Continental Army Encampment
 |website=Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
 |publisher=Commonwealth of Virginia
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.nps.gov/york/index.htm
 |title=Yorktown Battlefield
 |website=National Park Service
 |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref>
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== What the encampment is ==
This is a living-history exhibit at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, not the original encampment of Washington’s army. Interpreters use the recreated camp to explain soldiers’ routines and the practical work of an army on campaign.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.jyfmuseums.org/visit/american-revolution-museum-at-yorktown/living-history/continental-army-encampment
 |title=Continental Army Encampment
 |website=Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
 |publisher=Commonwealth of Virginia
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref>

The 1781 siege unfolded nearby, when General George Washington’s allied American and French forces surrounded the British army at Yorktown. The surrender on October 19 was a decisive turning point in the [[American Revolution in Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.nps.gov/york/index.htm
 |title=Yorktown Battlefield
 |website=National Park Service
 |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref>

== What to see ==
The recreated camp includes rows of soldiers’ tents and officers’ quarters, along with spaces representing the work of regimental staff. An earthen kitchen interprets food preparation, while other camp features help explain the organization and support needs of an army.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.jyfmuseums.org/visit/american-revolution-museum-at-yorktown/living-history/continental-army-encampment
 |title=Continental Army Encampment
 |website=Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
 |publisher=Commonwealth of Virginia
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref>

Depending on the day and conditions, interpreters may demonstrate military drills, flintlock muskets, artillery, medical practices or quartermaster duties. Ask at the museum or check its current program schedule if a particular demonstration is important to your plans.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.jyfmuseums.org/visit/american-revolution-museum-at-yorktown/living-history/continental-army-encampment
 |title=Continental Army Encampment
 |website=Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
 |publisher=Commonwealth of Virginia
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref>

== Planning a visit ==
The encampment is part of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, at 200 Water Street. It is an outdoor living-history area within the museum visit, alongside indoor galleries, films and a recreated Revolution-era farm. The museum requires admission; confirm current ticket options, operating hours and program availability with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation before setting out.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.visityorktown.org/161/Attractions-Museums
 |title=Attractions & Museums
 |website=Visit Yorktown
 |publisher=York County, Virginia
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.jyfmuseums.org/visit/american-revolution-museum-at-yorktown/living-history/continental-army-encampment
 |title=Continental Army Encampment
 |website=Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
 |publisher=Commonwealth of Virginia
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref>

For a fuller picture of the siege, pair the museum with [[Yorktown Battlefield]], part of [[Colonial National Historical Park]]. The battlefield’s driving tour includes siege lines and encampment areas; start with the National Park Service visitor information and check current fees, schedules and site access before going.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.visityorktown.org/161/Attractions-Museums
 |title=Attractions & Museums
 |website=Visit Yorktown
 |publisher=York County, Virginia
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.nps.gov/colo/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
 |title=Basic Information
 |website=National Park Service
 |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref>

== Exploring the historic encampment landscape ==
The museum’s recreated camp and the battlefield’s historic landscape are related but distinct experiences. At the battlefield, the National Park Service describes a nine-mile Encampment Tour route beginning at Surrender Field, in addition to a separate Battlefield Tour. Route conditions and access can change, so consult current park information and maps before choosing a route.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.nps.gov/york/planyourvisit/bicyclinginformation.htm
 |title=Bicycling Information
 |website=National Park Service
 |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref>

The [[Colonial Parkway]] connects Yorktown with Williamsburg and Historic Jamestowne, making the museum and battlefield straightforward additions to a broader [[Historic Triangle]] itinerary. For local visitor information, including transportation and planning resources, see [[Yorktown, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.nps.gov/york/planyourvisit/bicyclinginformation.htm
 |title=Bicycling Information
 |website=National Park Service
 |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
 |url=https://www.visityorktown.org/149/Plan-Your-Visit
 |title=Plan Your Visit
 |website=Visit Yorktown
 |publisher=York County, Virginia
 |access-date=2026-10-22
}}</ref>


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== References ==
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== External links ==
* [https://www.jyfmuseums.org/visit/american-revolution-museum-at-yorktown/living-history/continental-army-encampment Continental Army Encampment — Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation]
* [https://www.nps.gov/york/index.htm Yorktown Battlefield — National Park Service]
* [https://www.nps.gov/colo/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm Colonial National Historical Park visitor information — National Park Service]
* [https://www.visityorktown.org/149/Plan-Your-Visit Plan Your Visit — Visit Yorktown]
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[[Category:Virginia guides]]