Yorktown National Cemetery
A solemn resting place for Union soldiers of the Civil War, offering a peaceful environment for reflection and remembrance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful reflection
Yorktown National Cemetery
Best Time
Peaceful reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn resting place for Union soldiers of the Civil War, offering a peaceful environment for reflection and remembrance.
"A respectful, caring, and beautiful place for those who gave everything for this country."
🚶♂️ Walk Quietly
This is a national cemetery; please maintain a respectful and quiet atmosphere.
💰 NPS Pass Benefits
An NPS pass may grant free entry for up to three people to the battlefield sites.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Civil War Graves
Throughout the cemetery
Rows of headstones mark the final resting place for Union soldiers from the American Civil War. Many are marked as 'Unknown.'
+1
French Memorial
Surrender Field Circle
A memorial commemorating French soldiers and their alliance during the Revolutionary War.
Surrender Field
Yorktown Battlefield
The historic site where British forces surrendered, marking a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
+1Maintenance and Preservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♂️ Walk Quietly
This is a national cemetery; please maintain a respectful and quiet atmosphere.
💰 NPS Pass Benefits
An NPS pass may grant free entry for up to three people to the battlefield sites.
🧐 Read the Signs
Informative signs explain the cemetery's history and significance.
🙏 Pay Your Respects
Consider leaving a coin on a headstone as a sign of remembrance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♂️ Walk Quietly
This is a national cemetery; please maintain a respectful and quiet atmosphere.
💰 NPS Pass Benefits
An NPS pass may grant free entry for up to three people to the battlefield sites.
🧐 Read the Signs
Informative signs explain the cemetery's history and significance.
🙏 Pay Your Respects
Consider leaving a coin on a headstone as a sign of remembrance.
🌿 Be Prepared for Nature
Some areas may have unkempt grass; wear comfortable shoes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yorktown National Cemetery is a solemn and historically significant site, offering a peaceful place for reflection on the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. While many visitors find it a moving and respectful experience, some note that the grounds could benefit from more consistent maintenance to fully honor the fallen. +1
"This is one of the historical sites on Yorktown battlefield tour. NPS pass allows three persons free. There are names of soldiers listed on the back of the entrance sign. A quiet place shows ruins."
Susan Ding
"What a neat historical landmark! It does need to be better maintained as the graves need some work and the grass needs to be cut more often, but there are several signs explaining the cemetery. This is a must stop place if you’re in Yorktown."
Victoria O'Tool
"National Cemetery for soldiers of The American Civil War.
Having traveled to many National cemeteries, my opinion of this was similar to that of the Yorktown Battlefield, the NPS, needs to do better.
Some Graves unable to read whatsoever, old and lost stones, and towards the back of the cemetery you almost don't even realize their's still Graves present.
Grass is unkempt and covers many of the Graves.
Just seemed ran down and not as respected as other National cemeteries and battlefields that I've visited.
Worth the visit because these heroes deserve the ultimate respect for their ultimate sacrifices, but, unpleasant to see it in such dire need of true caretaking."
Robert Hobbs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yorktown National Cemetery is located within the Colonial National Historical Park. It's accessible by car, and GPS navigation is recommended. Many visitors combine a visit here with other historical sites in Yorktown.
Parking is generally available near the cemetery entrance, though it can be limited during peak times or special events.
Yes, many historical tours of the Yorktown battlefield include a stop at the National Cemetery. Some paranormal tours also mention the area.
Public transport options directly to the cemetery are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle or as part of a guided tour.
Exploring by car allows you to easily visit the cemetery and other historical sites like Surrender Field. Walking is also an option for appreciating the immediate surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Yorktown National Cemetery itself is generally free. However, if you plan to visit other parts of the Colonial National Historical Park, an entrance fee or a National Park Service pass may be required.
The cemetery is typically open during daylight hours. It's always a good idea to check the official National Park Service website for the most current hours of operation.
Admission to the cemetery grounds is free. However, access to the broader Yorktown Battlefield and other park facilities may have associated fees.
Yes, the cemetery is usually accessible on holidays, but hours might be adjusted. Special events, like Memorial Day or Wreaths Across America, may occur.
Visitors are expected to be respectful. Dogs are generally allowed on leash, but check park regulations. Photography is permitted, but please be mindful of the solemn nature of the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the rows of headstones of Union soldiers from the Civil War, many of whom are unknown. There are also informational signs detailing the history of the cemetery and its inhabitants.
A visit can be as short as 30 minutes for a quick walk-through or longer if you wish to spend time reflecting at the gravesites and reading the historical markers.
Yes, it can be a poignant place for photography, capturing the solemn beauty of the landscape and the rows of headstones. Remember to be respectful.
While there might not be specific guided tours solely for the cemetery, ranger-led programs for the broader battlefield often include this area. Check the NPS schedule.
It serves as the final resting place for Union soldiers who died in the Civil War campaigns in the Yorktown area, preserving their memory and sacrifice.
📸 📸 Photography
The long, straight rows of headstones offer a classic, impactful view. The open fields surrounding the cemetery also provide scenic backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, visitors are asked to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive behavior.
You can capture images of the uniform headstones, the peaceful landscape, and potentially historical markers. It's a place for reflective and respectful photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Cemeteries and National Parks. It's best to check the official NPS regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photographs, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep the visit brief and focused on respectful observation. Explain to children that this is a place where soldiers are honored. The open fields can offer a moment of calm reflection.
🏛️ History Buffs
+1Take time to read the informational signs and appreciate the scale of the cemetery. Consider researching the specific Civil War battles that took place in Yorktown to add depth to your visit.
🙏 Those Seeking Reflection
Find a quiet spot to sit, observe, and absorb the atmosphere. The peaceful setting is ideal for personal reflection on themes of service, sacrifice, and national history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Place of Remembrance: The Civil War Connection
While the cemetery is a Civil War site, it's important to remember Yorktown's broader historical significance, including its role in the Revolutionary War. The French Memorial and Surrender Field are nearby reminders of this earlier conflict, showcasing the layers of history present in the area.
Despite some observations about maintenance needs, the cemetery remains a vital place for reflection and remembrance. Visitors frequently express a deep sense of gratitude for the sacrifices made by those buried here, often leaving coins on headstones as a token of respect.
Visitor Experience and Community Feedback
However, some reviews point to areas where maintenance could be improved. Overgrown grass and worn headstones are mentioned as detracting from the overall presentation, leading to a feeling that the site isn't as well-maintained as other national cemeteries. This sentiment suggests a desire for greater care to match the profound respect the site commands.
Despite these concerns, the consensus is that Yorktown National Cemetery is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in American history and a place to reflect on the sacrifices made for the country. Its historical context within the larger Yorktown battlefield makes it a significant part of any visit to the area.
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