Custom House Yorktown - Historic wooden farmhouse with porch
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Custom House Yorktown

4.6
·491k reviews·Yorktown, United States

Discover a rare lock of George Washington's hair and explore one of Virginia's oldest colonial storehouses.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Special viewing hours for treasures

CrowdLow
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Custom House Yorktown - Historic wooden farmhouse with porch

Custom House Yorktown

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Special viewing hours for treasures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a rare lock of George Washington's hair and explore one of Virginia's oldest colonial storehouses.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"See a lock of George Washington's hair at this historic colonial storehouse!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Admission! :money_with_wings:

Enjoy this historical gem without any cost. Perfect for budget travelers!

Sunday Viewing Hours :calendar:

The Custom House is open for viewing on Sundays from 1-3 PM. Plan accordingly!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

George Washington's Hair

George Washington's Hair

Inside the Custom House

See a lock of George Washington's hair, a truly unique historical artifact.

Colonial Storehouse Architecture

Colonial Storehouse Architecture

Historic Main Street, Yorktown

Explore one of Virginia's oldest surviving colonial storehouses, a testament to early American architecture.

Comte de Grasse Chapter DAR

Comte de Grasse Chapter DAR

Custom House

Learn about the Daughters of the American Revolution's role in preserving this historic site.

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Planning Your Visit

Unlock History: Plan Your Visit

The Custom House in Yorktown is a must-see for history buffs. Built around 1720, it's one of the oldest surviving colonial storehouses in Virginia. Check operating hours, especially for Sunday viewings, as they can be limited. Instagram

A Glimpse of Washington's Legacy

Discover a rare artifact: a lock of George Washington's hair is displayed here! Instagram This unique piece, along with other historical treasures, makes the Custom House a compelling stop on Historic Main Street. Admission is free. Instagram

Best Times

When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Special viewing hours for treasures
Crowd
Low
When
Yorktown Day
Why
Commemorative events and visits
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Craving some historical charm in your everyday dining? Yorktowne offers just that. This white stoneware line, adorned with a distinctive blue floral design, adds a fun vintage look to any modern table. Find the collection at Replacements, Ltd. #athomewithreplacementsltd #tablesettings #dinnerware #tableware #homedecor #vintagedecor #vintagestyles #kitsch #kitschystyle #vintagefind #vintagefinds
@replacementsltd
3.9K likes • 256K views

Free Admission! :money_with_wings:

Enjoy this historical gem without any cost. Perfect for budget travelers! Instagram

Sunday Viewing Hours :calendar:

The Custom House is open for viewing on Sundays from 1-3 PM. Plan accordingly! Instagram

Did you know that you can see a lock of George Washington’s hair in Yorktown? Yep! 😮 It’s located in the Custom House on Historic Main Street. Stop by on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. to view this and the many other treasures in one of the only surviving colonial storehouses in Virginia! Admission is free and open to the public. #customhouse #dar #comtedegrasse #historicbuilding #visityorktown #yorkt...
visityorktown
55 likes • 1.1K views
Visiting my DAR chapter home, Custom House in Yorktown, Virginia with my bestfriend and Vice Regent Sarah Sherman VanDeventer, Bill, and Julien Icher, Director from The Layfayette Trail. @thelafayettetrail 🇫🇷Please follow their page if you’re a lover of the #americanrevolution #history #marquisdelafayette #lafayette #historicalmarkers #frenchhistory #ushistory #georgewashington #georgious #todaysd...
katmarshsmith
25 likes • 545 views

Connect with History :scroll:

Discover artifacts from the American Revolution and learn about its preservation. Instagram

Historic Building :brick:

Built around 1720, it's one of the oldest surviving colonial storehouses in Virginia. Reddit

Yorktown Day was a smaller, scaled back celebration but nonetheless a special occasion. Remembering all those who helped in the Victory 240 years ago! DAR Virginia State Regent Leann Turbyfill and DAR National Historian General Laura Kessler visited the Comte de Grasse Chapter’s Custom House following the ceremony. Huzzah! #yorktownday #yorktown #todaysdar #lafayette #marquisdelafayette
thelafayettetrail
58 likes • 3.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission! :money_with_wings:

Enjoy this historical gem without any cost. Perfect for budget travelers! Instagram

Sunday Viewing Hours :calendar:

The Custom House is open for viewing on Sundays from 1-3 PM. Plan accordingly! Instagram

Connect with History :scroll:

Discover artifacts from the American Revolution and learn about its preservation. Instagram

Historic Building :brick:

Built around 1720, it's one of the oldest surviving colonial storehouses in Virginia. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Custom House for its free admission and the unique opportunity to see a lock of George Washington's hair. Its historical significance as one of Virginia's oldest colonial storehouses is a major draw. Some visitors note the limited Sunday viewing hours as a point to plan around.

What People Like

Free admission
Washington's hair
Historic building

What People Dislike

Limited hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Custom House is located on Historic Main Street in Yorktown, Virginia. It's easily accessible by car and is a central point within the historic district. Parking is generally available nearby. Instagram

Information on accessibility for wheelchairs is not widely available. It's recommended to contact the venue directly for specific details regarding ramps or elevator access, given its historic nature. Reddit

Many visitors find walking the historic streets to be the best way to experience Yorktown. The Custom House is a key stop along this route, often visited in conjunction with other nearby historical attractions. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Custom House is free and open to the public. Instagram

The Custom House is typically open for viewing on Sundays from 1 PM to 3 PM. It's always a good idea to verify hours before your visit, as they can change. Instagram

Weekday access might be limited or by appointment, as the primary public viewing hours are on Sundays. Check with the Comte de Grasse Chapter DAR for any special arrangements. Instagram

There is no entrance fee; the Custom House offers free admission to all visitors. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you can view a lock of George Washington's hair, along with other historical treasures and exhibits related to colonial Virginia and the American Revolution. Instagram

A visit to the Custom House is usually brief, often taking around 15-30 minutes, depending on your interest in the exhibits and historical context. Instagram

Yes, children can find the historical artifacts and stories interesting. It's a good opportunity to introduce them to American history in a tangible way. Instagram

Built around 1720, it's one of the few surviving colonial storehouses in Virginia and played a role in the region's commerce and history. It was partially restored after the Civil War. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with staff on-site regarding restrictions, especially for flash photography, to protect the historical artifacts. Instagram

The exterior of the historic building itself makes for a great photo. Capturing it on Historic Main Street provides context to its colonial setting. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Custom House offers a unique opportunity for families to engage with history. Seeing a lock of George Washington's hair can be a captivating experience for children, making history feel more tangible and exciting. Instagram The free admission is a big plus for family outings. While the exhibits are not overly extensive, the historical significance of the building and its contents can spark curiosity about the colonial era and the American Revolution. Instagram

Tips for families: Plan your visit for Sunday afternoons when the house is open. Discuss the importance of historical preservation and the stories behind the artifacts to make the visit more educational. The compact nature of the site means it won't overwhelm younger attention spans, making it a perfect short stop on a day of exploring Yorktown. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Custom House is an absolute gem. Admission is completely free, allowing you to immerse yourself in history without spending a dime. Instagram This makes it an ideal addition to any Yorktown itinerary, especially when combined with other free or low-cost historical sites in the area.

Key for budget travelers: Focus on the unique artifacts like George Washington's hair, which offer significant historical value for zero cost. Instagram Its location on Main Street means you can easily walk to it, saving on transportation costs within the historic district. It's a perfect example of how to experience significant historical sites affordably. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Living Piece of History

The Custom House in Yorktown stands as a remarkable survivor from the early 18th century. Built around 1720, it's recognized as one of the few colonial storehouses still standing in Virginia. Its historical significance is amplified by its partial restoration after being damaged during the Civil War in 1862. Reddit This resilience makes it a tangible link to the past, offering visitors a direct connection to the lives and commerce of colonial America. Reddit

Managed by the Comte de Grasse Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Custom House is more than just an old building; it's a preserved piece of history. Instagram The DAR's dedication ensures that this site continues to educate and inspire. Visitors can explore the interior, which houses significant artifacts, including a rare lock of George Washington's hair, making a visit a truly unique experience. Instagram

The free admission policy further enhances its appeal, making it an accessible stop for anyone interested in American history. Instagram Its location on Historic Main Street places it at the heart of Yorktown's charming historical district, allowing for easy integration into a broader exploration of the area's rich heritage. Instagram

Treasures Within: The Exhibits

The primary draw for many visitors to the Custom House is the opportunity to see a lock of George Washington's hair. Instagram This incredibly rare and personal artifact offers a profound connection to one of America's most pivotal figures. The presence of such an item underscores the historical importance of Yorktown itself and the individuals who shaped the nation.

Beyond this singular treasure, the Custom House displays various other historical artifacts that shed light on colonial life, trade, and the American Revolution. Instagram These items, carefully curated and preserved by the DAR, provide context to the building's original function as a storehouse and its role in the community. The exhibits aim to tell the story of Yorktown's past, from its early days as a bustling port to its significance during the Revolutionary War. Instagram

The limited Sunday viewing hours mean that visitors should plan their trip to coincide with these times to fully appreciate the collection. Instagram The intimate setting of the Custom House allows for a focused and meaningful engagement with these historical pieces, offering a different perspective than larger, more crowded museums.

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