Petersburg High School - Missile Yearbook (Petersburg, VA)

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Y orktown— Today and Yesterday By Shirley Wilensky UST before reaching Yorktown, your excitement mounts and imagination stirs as you think of all that this tiny town has seen. Here Cornwallis, proud, haughty leader of the English army sur- rendered to the Continental army on Octo- ber 18, 1781, and although there were a few skirmishes elsewhere, the war vir- tually came to an end on that historic, sig- nificant day. Yorktown is located on the York river, formerly called Charles river. Now it flows freely, calmly, steadily on its course, but many a tale of how the Brit- ish and Continental armies fought are in its depths, hidden forever. If you could talk, what weird stories would you tell? On a beautiful bluif overlooking the river stands the Yorktown Monu- ment, commemorating the victory for Independence. The four sides of the base contain, first, an inscription dedicating the monument as a memorial of victory; second, an inscription presenting a narrative of the siege; third, the treaty of an alliance with the King of France; fourth, the treaty of peace with the King of England. In the pediments over these four sides are carved emblems of nation- ality, emblems of war, emblems of alliance, and emblems of peace. On the circular pradum are thirteen female figures, representing the thirteen original colonies. On the belt beneath their feet are the words: “One Country, One Destiny, and One Constitution.” Words to remember now. At the top of the monument stands the Goddess of Liberty, star- crowned, welcoming everyone to share our peace and prosperity — bidding us to hold forever dear in our hearts the memory of the struggle that took place more than one hundred and fifty years ago. As the sun streams THE MISSILE Page fifteen

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down upon her, she sparkles as though she knows and is proud of why she was erected. To the south of the monument stretches what is now a national park — during the Revolutionary War, a battleground where the war was fought to the glorious end. Yet how carelessly we glance about us, caring little for the rich history of this spot. But look back more closely. Can’t you see soldiers posted in the trenches, waiting anxiously by their guns ; lead- ers worried, frowning, issuing orders? Bullets whiz by, the air is misty with smoke, cannon balls strike the earth, while weary, ragged soldiers wish desperately that the war would end. Then a more peaceful scene comes to the mind. The crisp, autumn air brings a faint color to the strained, bloodless faces of the English generals. Their flaming red coats shine brilliantly for the last time, as a sword is handed to General Lincoln. Yes, in your veins is blood mixed of those who fought to begin our great democracy. No matter how heavily feet trample upon you or how carelessly eyes look over you, your heart will always beat with the knowl- edge and strength that can never be conquered. The Moore House About two miles from Yorktown stands the Moore House where the Articles of Surrender were drawn. It is a small, unpretentious white house. Upon entering, to the left, is the room where the Articles were drawn. You can almost see great figures sitting in the empty chairs, arguing, curs- ing, fighting — at last deciding upon terms to suit both the Americans and English. Though it is not an imposing house, somehow you can feel how b ppy and perhaps frightened its occupants were on that historic day. Back into the heart of the town, your interest becomes more intense. About half a mile from the monument is the Yorktown Museum in which the entire history of Yorktown is summed up by pictures on the wall. In the center of the main room a huge map shows the general layout of the town. Perhaps, over one hundred and fifty years ago, generals of both armies were studying similar maps, mapping plans for attack. Old Buildings of Yorktown On the same street stands the old Episcopal church. The original building was cruciform, but the arms of the cross were destroyed, and only the main part of the building is left. The bell and communion service were presented to the church by Queen Anne. Not far from this is the first Custom House in America, built of old English brick. In a large glass case is preserved a lock of George Wash- THE MISSILE Page seventeen