(This article by Louisiana-based writer Kathie Rowell originally appeared in the June 2025 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

The head of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission doesn’t mince words when it comes to the state’s role in the nation’s founding.

“More of what made America happen, happened in Virginia,” said Cheryl Wilson, executive director of the state-established organization.

Virginia’s General Assembly tasked VA250, as the commission is otherwise known, with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the country’s independence. For visitors of the state, a prime destination is the Historic Triangle, made up of Yorktown, Jamestown, and Williamsburg. Those three towns are linked by historic significance and proximity.

“It’s historic, but it’s very interesting in a current sort of perspective because there’s always academic or intellectual things going on. It’s also very military-friendly,” said Capt. Kathleen Jabs, USN (Ret), a member of the Virginia Peninsula Chapter of MOAA who has lived in the area for a decade.

Jabs now serves as special assistant to the president for military and veteran affairs at the College of William & Mary. She said she often takes guests to the Wren Building, the oldest college building still standing in the U.S.

“It reminds me of our country’s roots and is rooted literally in tradition,” she said.

Her favorite place to spend the Fourth of July — where she expects she and her husband will celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday — is Colonial Williamsburg, billed as the world’s largest living history museum.

“We usually go to Colonial Williamsburg to see the fireworks. They do them in front of the Governor’s Palace. They’re sort of a lower, old-fashioned kind, but it’s striking. A lot of times, we’ll go and see the fife and drum march the paths of Williamsburg, and we’ve gone to hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence,” Jabs said.

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In Yorktown, visitors can also step into history at the American Revolution Museum, which offers period artifacts and outdoor living-history areas, including a recreated Continental Army encampment.

In July 2026, the museum will feature the “Give Me Liberty” exhibit, which will focus on Virginia’s role in the war.

“Visitors can take a tour with the National Park Service rangers of the Yorktown Battlefield, where [British Gen. Charles] Cornwallis surrendered,” Wilson said.

Historic Jamestowne, the site of the original fort and first permanent British settlement in North America, offers walking tours and living-history demonstrations. In addition, the Jamestown Settlement museum offers a look at early settlers.

Other events, including celebrations at Monticello and Mount Vernon, are planned in the months leading up to July 4.

Something Extra: Jabs’ favorite place to enjoy a cocktail is the Social Terrace, an outdoor area at the Williamsburg Inn, which once hosted Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II.