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A Colonial road trip

Nothing will feed your inner American historian like a visit to Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg and the nearby “historic triangle,” towns of Yorktown and Jamestown. Here, within minutes of each other, you can visit our first English settlements, the cradle of some American cultural life and the battlefield where the American Revolution was turned. Williamsburg is within striking distance of more than 390,000 military people from New Jersey to North Carolina. Those military-minded tourists will find plenty of muskets, captured colors and cannons to entertain. So pack up the kids, put on your tricorn cover, and take our colonial road trip.

See map at right (and click to enlarge) for a graphic look at Colonial Williamsburg’s sights. Details about the sights are available below.

1. Colonial Arms Display

Creatively arranged on the walls of the Governor’s Palace, 230 muskets — 80 of them originals from the Revolutionary War period — make for an impressive display of ornamentation and intimidation.

Location: Governor’s Palace.

2. The Gunsmith Shop

A must-see for military visitors with a keen appreciation for weapons. Master gunsmith George Suiter and his colonial colleagues demonstrate their trade and skills as blacksmiths, whitesmiths, founders and woodworkers — all required skills to build a gun. Suiter will tell you, however, that much of a gunsmith’s time was spent repairing civilian sporting guns — shotguns mostly — as military weapons were made in England and stored in the local magazine. Gunsmiths would also occasionally repair axes, carriages, casting shoe buckles and more. “A tradesman would never turn away a paying job,” Suiter said.

Location: Just off Duke of Gloucester Street.

3. Fifes and Drums

With the onset of war in 1775, Virginia began to train an army to defend against a British invasion. Just as Virginia enlisted soldiers and stockpiled arms and ammunition, it also trained fifers and drummers — boys mostly — to work with soldiers in the field. The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums — also known as the Field Music of the Virginia State Garrison Regiment — carries forward the tradition of military music. Since 1958, visitors in the Historic Area have enjoyed the musical performances that occur throughout the town. “We bring 18th-century military music alive,” says Timothy E. Sutphin, director of the group. “It’s the sound of history.”

Location: Various. Check the daily schedules online.

4. The Magazine

This arsenal is the site of the Gunpowder Incident of April 1775, an event that led the Southern Colonies into the War for American Independence. The magazine safeguarded shot, powder, flints, tents, tools, swords, pikes, canteens, cooking utensils, and as many as 3,000 Brown Bess flintlocks — equipment needed for defense against Indians, slave revolts, local riots and pirate raids. The magazine houses a collection of both original and reproduction muskets and cannons. Seasonal activities include musket firing demonstrations. Visitors are invited to participate in drills conducted by a militia sergeant.

Location: Duke of Gloucester Street.

5. Captured Colors Tour

Four rare and prized battle flags of the American Revolution. These flags, considered war trophies by the British and witness to some inglorious defeats for the Americans, were captured by British cavalry officer Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton in two battles nearly a year apart. The flags are slated to be returned to their owners July 20. “This could be the last time they’re ever seen in public again,” curator Erik Goldstein says. Notable fact: Colors were routinely given to the youngest officer in the regiment with orders to defend them with his life. It was a way to infuse esprit de corps in the officer — and a relatively simple responsibility, Goldstein said.

Location: DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, 325 Francis St.

6. Lock, Stock & Barrel

An amazing display of military and civilian weapons exploring muzzle-loading firearms, ignition systems and the evolution of the standing British infantry musket before 1800. “It’s more or less a complete lineage of arms from the 18th century to the Napoleonic wars,” curator Erik Goldstein says.

Location: DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.

7. Jamestown Settlement

A unique — sometimes kitschy — blend of film, gallery exhibits and living history. That said, it’s tons of fun, especially at the waterfront, where you can climb aboard replicas of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607. Costumed historical interpreters describe and demonstrate daily life in the early 17th century. Hours: Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until 6 p.m. June 15-Aug. 15). Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission: $14 adults; $6.50 ages 6-12. Combination ticket available with the Yorktown Victory Center, $19.25 adults; $9.25 ages 6-12.

Location: 2218 Jamestown Road, Route 31 South.

8. Historic Jamestowne

Founded in 1607, some 13 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Jamestown was America’s first permanent English settlement and served as the capital of Virginia throughout the 17th century. A walk through the town site requires your mind’s eye to work hard, as there are no standing buildings save the original church tower dating to the 1690s. That said, in addition to some existing foundations among the well-marked building lots, there are nicely rendered artist’s depictions of what the homes and buildings looked like. At the nearby Glasshouse, costumed glassblowers demonstrate one of the earliest industries attempted in English-speaking America. Hours: Entrance station open daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission: $10 adult, children 15 and under admitted free. Includes admission to Yorktown Battlefield for seven days from date of purchase.

Location: 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown.

9. Yorktown Battlefield

On Oct. 19, 1781, a British army under Gen. Charles Lord Cornwallis was forced to surrender to Gen. Washington’s combined American and French army. Upon hearing of their defeat, British Prime Minister Frederick Lord North is reputed to have said, “Oh God, it’s all over.” And it was. The victory secured independence for the U.S. and significantly changed the course of world history. The site, administered by the National Park Service, has walking tours, artillery demonstrations, junior soldier programs for the kids and more. Notable fact: Americans and Frenchmen fired 15,437 artillery rounds at the British during the eight-day bombardment. That’s 1.2 shots a minute. Hours: Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Extended seasonal hours. Admission: $10 per adult, children under age 16 admitted free. Includes admission to Historic Jamestowne for seven consecutive days from date of purchase.

Location: Colonial National Historical Park, Box 210, Yorktown.

10. Yorktown Victory Center

Purists and Colonial Williamsburg snobs may look down their noses at the upstart Victory Center and nearby Jamestown Settlement “living museums” (don’t confuse them with the National Park Service’s Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield), but they have high appeal for lots of visitors, especially children seeking a hands-on experience. Visitors can explore a re-created Continental Army encampment, where historical interpreters describe and depict the daily life of American soldiers at the end of the war. Indoor galleries recount the war’s effect on 10 ordinary men and women who witnessed the Revolutionary War.

Hours: Yorktown Victory Center is open daily from 9 a.m to 5 p.m., until 6 p.m. June 15-Aug. 15. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Admission: $9.25 adults; $5 ages 6-12. Combination ticket with Jamestown Settlement, $19.25 adult; $9.25 ages 6-12.

Location: 260 Water St., Route 1020, Yorktown.

Attraction discounts

Colonial Williamsburg is offering military families a two-day Military Key-to-the-City Pass, available exclusively at your MWR or ITT office. Visit your MWR or ITT office for prices and details of other Colonial Williamsburg admission passes and military discounts. Qualified military personnel who choose to purchase tickets on-site will receive a 10 percent discount on current Colonial Williamsburg general admission ticket prices with valid ID. Visit www.history.org for more information.