VA250 Newport News Itinerary
The VA250 commemoration honors the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution — celebrating the people, places, and ideas that shaped our nation’s founding.
Newport News, though not a major battlefield, played a strategic and supportive role during the Revolution as part of colonial Warwick County.
This itinerary highlights how Newport News connects to the larger Revolutionary story through its geography, local militia activity, and enduring colonial landmarks.
Stop 1: Historic Endview (1769)
- Built just before the Revolution, Historic Endview is one of Newport News’s oldest surviving homes. The current standing house was completed in 1769 by William Harwood.
- Historic Endview was used by Thomas Nelson and his troops as a stopping point en route to Yorktown.
- A visit to Historic Endview offers a unique opportunity to explore over 12,000 years of history, including Indigenous cultures, early settlement, the colonial era, the Civil War, and the 20th century. The house currently interprets the 19th century, with a focus on the Civil War period.
“This house stood at all points of the Revolution - before, during, and after. During these times, Virginians had numerous viewpoints and opinions regarding the upcoming and happening Revolution. We do not currently know how the Harwood family members or the enslaved people who lived here felt, what they did, whether they took a side, or remained neutral. But what can be imagined is the uncertainty that was felt, no matter the side, viewpoints, or opinions, as the war began, occurred, and ended.”
Location: 362 Yorktown Road, Newport News, Virginia 23603
Hours of Operation: Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Historic house tours are guided only; last tour at 3:30 p.m.) Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission: Adult- $8.00, Seniors (62 & above)- $7.00, Children (ages 7-18)- $6.00, Family (immediate household only)- $20.00, $1.00 discount for Military or AAA Members with membership card.
Midday Transition: The James River Corridor
- The James River was the lifeline of the Virginia Peninsula — vital for moving troops, supplies, and communication.
- Today’s Newport News waterfront gives us a glimpse of what made this area so strategically important.
“If we were standing here in 1781, the river would be bustling with flatboats and ferries carrying everything from muskets to cornmeal.”
Location: Riverview Farm Park- 111 City Farm Road, Newport News, Virginia 23602
Hours of Operation: Sunrise to Sunset
More Details: Free Parking, Walking Trails, Large playground with picnic areas, and the James River is a short 5-10 min hike (wheelchair accessible)
Stop 2: Skirmish at Waters Creek /Capture of the Patriot
- On December 30, 1781, a Hessian/British force under Capt. Johann Ewald (under the overall command of Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold as part of his broader James River Raid against Richmond) landed on a beach at Riverview Farm Park near Deep Creek. They skirmished with the local Warwick County Militia, and Benedict Arnold supposedly came ashore briefly following the engagement to thank/encourage the troops.
- On January 4, 1781, local Patriot militia defeated a British raiding party near Waters Creek — one of the few documented Revolutionary War engagements in Newport News.
- The ‘Patriot’, a Virginia Navy armed schooner, was captured in April 1781 by the Royal Navy offshore on the James River offshore
- The skirmish, though small, represents local resistance and community defense.
- Located: On Museum Drive, 0.3 miles west of the Boundary Road (near Noland Trail Head Parking)
The Revolution was made up of many small confrontations such as this one throughout the colonies. It demonstrated to all that resistance was something that could be seen and felt everywhere, no matter the side that you were on."
More Details: Park at Noland Trail Head Parking and view the James River from The Lions Bridge, Hike the Noland Trail to The Mariners Museum 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, Virginia 23606 (where admission is only $1.00)
Stop 3: Virginia War Museum
- While the Virginia War Museum spans several centuries, it provides excellent context for understanding the evolution of American defense, starting in 1775.
- Exhibits highlight early uniforms, weapons, and Virginia’s role in forming a citizen militia.
“It was not until the fall of 1775 with the Battle of Hampton, skirmish at Kemp’s Landing, Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation, and the Battle of Great Bridge that Virginians began to make their choices pertaining to the Revolution. Prior to this point, many Virginians held a very neutral stance regarding what was occurring north of them. It was, particularly, after the Battle of Hampton and Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation that Virginians began to choose which side of the conflict they were going to support, if they even chose a side. For those who chose either the Patriot or Loyalist side, one thing was clear: they were fighting for what they believed in."
Location: 9285 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, Virginia, 23607
Hours of Operation: Wednesday through Sunday 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Last admission at 4:00 p.m.) Closed- Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
Admission: Adults- $8.00, Seniors (62 & above)- $7.00, Children (ages 7-18)- $6.00, Family (immediate household only)- $20.00, $1.00 discount for military or AAA members with membership card.
Plan Your Visit
Turn your Newport News VA250 day trip into a full weekend of historical exploration.
Stay a little longer and settle into one of Newport News’ welcoming accommodations, whether it’s a hotel, motel, inn, or a scenic campsite.
near top attractions and museums. Because here, the story doesn’t end in a day… It’s meant to be experienced.