Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

Naval Weapons Station Yorktown is located in the Peninsula of Hampton Roads along the shores of the York River. Including Cheatham Annex, this military base spans nearly 70,000 acres. Currently, this important base houses 37 tenant commands and supports the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet. Nearby are family-friendly communities, parks, affordable housing, quality schools and attractions so service members of all ages can find this region welcoming. Sailors receiving orders to Yorktown may not know what a treat they're in for but with its location, history, climate and scenery, this place may be an unexpected delight.

It may be hard to imagine there was once a time that Yorktown had no major military base. Native Americans first inhabited this land as early as 1000 B.C. and a Powhatan tribe called the Kiskiacks lived directly on the land that would later become Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. Built in the mid-1600s, the Lee House is the oldest standing structure on base. This plantation house's impenetrable walls exemplify how this home was constructed to last through recurrent attacks from hostile Native Americans. Yorktown proper is probably most well-known for the surrender of British General Charles Cornwallis in 1781 signifying the end of the American Revolution

August 7, 1918, marked the beginning of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown when some 20 square miles were acquired via presidential proclamation. The Navy procured Cheatham Annex on June 21, 1943. Modern-day naval operations continue to aid in the Atlantic Fleet's successes. Some of the 37 tenant commands housed at this base include the Marine Corps Second Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, the Naval Munitions Command, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One, the Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity, the Fleet Industrial Supply Center Detachment and Naval Expeditionary Medical Support Command. Two base's piers serve as welcoming beacons to various U.S. Navy ships.

The area around Yorktown is filled with fun things to do and interesting people to meet. This happening place is a haven for activity and not just around the base. Service members relocating here because of orders to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown can rest assured that this town is a real gem. The neighborhoods can't be beat as they offer quality homes at reasonable prices. Subdivisions like Chesapeake Watch, Piney Point, Lakes at Dare, Edgehill and Dandy Loop Estates offer picturesque places to settle down. Homebuyers who want new construction can check out Highgrove, Magnolia Park and Summer's Crossing. If maintaining a single-family house doesn't seem all that exciting, take a look at attached housing developments like Riverwalk Townes, Grafton Woods and Wood Towne Quarters.