Colonial National Historical Park (NHP) administers two of the most historically significant sites in English North America. Historic Jamestowne, the first permanent English settlement in North America in 1607, jointly administered with Preservation Virginia, and Yorktown Battlefield, the final major battle of the American Revolutionary War in 1781.
Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia preserves the buildings, stories, and memory of the people who struggled and continue to struggle to create a nation based on the ideals of liberty and equality.
Commissioners met at the Moore House to negotiate the terms of surrender. The British sent Lt. Col. Thomas Dundas and Major Alexander Ross. The allies sent the Viscomte do Noilles (Lafayette's brother-in-law) and Colonel John Laurens. The British argue the terms for many hours, but to no avail.
The Nelson House was the home of Thomas Nelson, Jr. (1738-89), Yorktown's most famous son and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Nelson's devotion to the patriot cause during the American Revolution contributed significantly to the creation of the United States.
The Victory Monument still stands as a fitting symbol to the French and American victory at Yorktown on October 19, 1781 - a victory that resulted in American Independence.
