During its 350-year history, the County of York has figured prominently in both the political and economic history of the Virginia Peninsula, the Commonwealth, and the Nation. The port of Yorktown, which remains the seat of government, was the site of the final battle of the American Revolution where on October 19, 1781, Lord Cornwallis surrendered his British Army to the combined American-French forces under Washington and Rochambeau. Yorktown also figured prominently in the Civil War, serving as a major port to supply both northern and southern towns, depending on who held Yorktown at the time. Today you can go and visit the battlefield and see many historic buildings such as Cole Digges House,Cornwallis' CaveMoore House, Nelson House, surrender Field and Victory Monument.
As Yorktown revels in the past, York County the 108-square mile municipality of which Yorktown is but one community looks to the future. There's room to grow, in terms of housing and business. Citizen surveys give local government high marks, both for responsiveness and for attention to public safety, education, culture and the arts, while still keeping taxes and growth manageable.
History and the related tourism is a significant economic generator in the county Government employment has also long been a primary element York County 's economy The County's largest employer is the federal government. The Naval Weapons Station Cheatham Annex employs 2,800 including 1,072 civilians.
York County 's school system has been recognized nationally In 1996 Money magazine included it in the 100 best school systems in the country relative to the Cost of housing. For eight years running, the school system has won the School Match - What Parents Want Award, given to only 15 percent of the nation's schools. Forty-four percent of the teachers have a master's degree or better.
Size 108 Sq. miles
Population (2004est) 61,000
Median Family Income (2004est) $57,956
Major Industries: Tourism, Giant Industries, Dominion Virginia Power
