Hike our “Historic Triangle” trail At Yorktown Colonial Virginia Council Boy Scouts of America CL004 “Where a Nation Was Born and Independence Won” Preface Welcome to the Colonial National Historical Park. As fate would have it only twenty-three miles separates Jamestown Island from Yorktown Battlefield; two places which occupy important chapters in the course of Colonial American history. Jamestown Island is dedicated to the establishment of the first permanent English Settlement in the New World in 1607. Yorktown Battlefield is the scene of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis’ Army in 1781 and virtually the end of British domination in the United States. When President Herbert Hoover authorized the establishment of our Park on December 30, 1930, he recognized the importance of preserving these tow sites for future generations. When you hike through these sites, you will also become aware of their impact upon American History and enjoy the historical resources which the National Park Service preserves, a Government Agency of the Department of the Interior. The Jamestown-Yorktown Historical Trail was established by the efforts of the Colonial National Historical Park Service and the Colonial Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America. In addition to Boy Scout, Cub Scout and Venturing Units, other organized groups (Girl Scouts, YMCA, Schools, Clubs, etc.) and individuals are encouraged to hike or cycle the trails for an adventurous experience of two of the most significant historical events in our Nation’s exciting history. There are two trails – Jamestown Colony Trail (5.5 miles) and the Yorktown Battlefield (9 miles or 12.5 miles with optional loop). Either one or both may be hiked or cycled. Embroidered patch awards may be earned for each trail and the Jamestown-Yorktown patch is available for those who have hiked both trails. This award program was developed and is administered by the Colonial Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America. All groups hiking the trails are encouraged to utilize the awards for their hikers. The awards may be obtained by completing the ‘Application for Awards” form located at the back of this brochure, then mail or bring the completed form to the Colonial Virginia Council Boy Scout Service Center, 11725 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, Virginia, 23606. This brochure is distributed by the Eastern National Park and Monument Association, Colonial National Historical Park and the Colonial Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America. You may wish to purchase a 1:25,000 scale topographic map of the Colonial National Historical Park. It includes information on both Yorktown and Jamestown and is available at the Park Gift Shops. Nov-98 2 Trail Rules and Information 1. Boy Scout, Cub Scout and Venturing Units must submit a Local Tour Permit to your Local Council Office. 2. Notify the Colonial National Historical Park of planned hike date(s), there is a $5.00 entrance fee. 3. Scouts should wear the official Scout uniform while on the trail or visiting in the National Park area. Dress and conduct at all times should be appropriate for a tour of the National Park. 4. Safety must be foremost at all times. When walking along park roads, groups should use single file lines on the left side of the road (except where otherwise instructed). Horseplay along trails, in the visitors’ Center, movies or at Battlefield Cemeteries is out of character. 5. All hikers are expected to check in with the Park Ranger upon arrival and to abide by the rules of the Trail and the National Park Service. NOTE: No awards will be made to any members of a group if a valid complaint is received about the conduct of any member of that group. 6. Groups should hike in parties of ten or less, preferably with adults supervision at the front and rear of the column. One adult is required for every ten hikers. 7. All plants, animals, minerals, historic structures, objects, and artifacts shall be left undisturbed for others to enjoy. 8. Respect shall be shown for all Public and Private Property. Some fields of the Park are leased as cropland and shortcuts across such fields are prohibited. 9. Firs are permitted only in designated areas. Firearms are strictly prohibited. Axes and sheath knives are not permitted on the trails. 10. Each hiker must carry his own water supply. Streams and springs are not safe water supplies and there is no stopping permitted on Private Property along the way. 11. There is no time limit to complete the trail(s); however to be eligible for awards, persons must walk, jog, run, cycle, or operate a wheelchair, etc. under his/her own power. Passengers of any age in any kind of motor vehicles are not eligible for the awards. The use of bicycles is permitted on the Jamestown Loop Drive. Bicycles may be used for the Yorktown Battle field Tour as long as they go with the flow of traffic and stay on the roadway. 12. Summer months offer an abundance of chiggers, ticks and other critters, so hikers should stay in cleared trails or pavement and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. All year long there is an abundance of poison ivy if you stray from the trails. 13. For further hiking information and assistance, refer to the Boy Scout Handbook, Fieldbook, and the Hiking Merit Badge Pamphlet. 14. Review “The Outdoor Code”. 15. Trail leaders are requested to read the above rules to each group of hikers before beginning the trail. 16. If possible, arrange for pick-up of the awards from the Colonial Virginia Scout Service Center during regular office hours – Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Nov-98 3 Nov-98 4 Nov-98 5 Yorktown Battlefield Trail “Colonial National Historical Park” Before you begin your hike through the Yorktown Battlefield, spend some time at the Yorktown Visitor Center, operated by the National Park Service. There is a $5.00 entrance fee. You will view the 16 minute film, “Siege at Yorktown” which relates the story of the campaign and siege of Yorktown. In addition, you should view the museum which has artifacts relating to the Siege at Yorktown. After you have seen the film, please answer the following questions: 1. During which month did the British Army Surrender at Yorktown in 1781? 2. Which Nation helped America win her Independence from Great Britain? 3. Which British General was defeated at Yorktown by General Washington? Now walk through the Museum area and locate the answers to these questions. 1. The old ship’s cannons on display in the ship exhibit were found in what river? 2. Name the two Admirals who opposed each other at the Battle of the Capes? 3. Which Countries did they represent? 4. List the Artillery tools needed to load a cannon. We hope you have enjoyed viewing the film and artifacts at the Yorktown Visitor Center. In order for you to have a safe and enjoyable hike through the Yorktown Battlefield we request that you follow the rules established by the Boys Scouts of America and the National Park Service. DIRECTIONS: Before beginning your self-guided tour, please study the hiking trail map carefully to gain a better understanding of the path you will follow. Please be cautious when walking along the shoulders of heavily traveled roads. Walk in single file and remain on the left side of the road, facing traffic. Keep well off the pavement of the roads. Your fist station will be in the Yorktown Visitor Center Parking Lot next to the British Defense Line on your left as you exit from the Visitor Center. Station #1 will be marked with a sign, “The Hornwork”. Nov-98 6 Station #1: Main British Defense Line “The Hornwork” Yorktown, established by the Port Act of 1691, became a bustling seaport during the 1700’s. Merchants, sea captains, sailors, tavern keepers, slaves, all engaged in economic, political and social growth. Situated as a snug harbor next to the deep channeled York River, this town prospered in successful trade with Great Britain. Tobacco, staple food crops, raw materials, were all shipped from Yorktown to supply the ever increasing demands of the Mother Country. Prosperity would dim and falter dramatically with the severing of ties between Virginia and England. Although the first shot was fired on April 19, 1775 at Concord and Lexington, Massachusetts, it was not until 1781 (almost seven years later) that the reality of the War touched this sleepy little town. When Lord Cornwallis arrived in early August to fortify Yorktown and the Gloucester side as a save refuge for the British Fleet, little did he realize what would be in store for his Army a few months later. During August he set about leisurely fortifying his position with a series of entrenchments, redoubts, and batteries. The Hornwork position was built to protect the main supply road into Yorktown. During the siege, Stephen Popp, a German Soldier, noted in his diary: “The Light Infantry which stood in the Hornwork had the most dangerous spot and lost the most men October 17 – This night not a shot was fired from the enemy side, but we maintained our fire, the enemy occupied himself merely with redoubts and work, indeed, toward morning they brought a trench and strong battery of 12 guns so close to our hornwork that one could nearly throw stones into it. October 17 – Early at the break of day the bombardment began again form the enemy side even more horribly than ever before….Our detachment, which stood in the hornwork could scarcely avoid the enemy’s bombs, howitzer shot and cannon balls anymore.