During Before the Siege, Colonial National Historical Park invites you to experience the historic village of Yorktown as it might have appeared in 1781 under the occupation of British forces. Re-enactors portraying soldiers, local townspeople, loyalists, and British sailors will once again occupy Yorktown to give you a glimpse into its Revolutionary past. Lord Cornwallis, his Britannic Majesty's commander in the southern colonies, and his army of 8,000+ called Yorktown home from early August 1781 until the British surrendered two-and-a-half months later on the 19th of October. Walk throughout Main Street to witness ironworking, leatherworking, British tactical demonstrations (including musketry and cannon), and an accurate portrayal of soldier and civilian life during the occupation. Look for artillery at the Yorktown Battlefield on Saturday at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15. Click here to learn more!