Yorktown to Reenact 1781 Defense of Pines Bridge on Saturday

Yorktown will commemorate the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Pines Bridge on Saturday with a massive living history event. The day honors a unit that included African American soldiers who fought for a nation that had not yet granted them full freedom.

WHAT: A full-scale Revolutionary War commemorative event and battle reenactment. Highlights include:

• Battle Reenactment: A live recreation of the 1781 skirmish.
• Diverse History: Tribute to the Rhode Island Regiment’s formerly enslaved and Indigenous soldiers.
• Monument Dedications: Unveiling of a new Revolutionary War monument and DAR America 250! Patriot Plaque.
• Living History: 18th-century encampment, fife and drum parade, and storytelling by Jonathan Kruk.
• Parade from Veteran Memorials Circle to Railroad Park.

WHO: Presented by the Yorktown Historical Society, Town of Yorktown, and Revolutionary Westchester 250 (RW250). Featuring reenactors from Living History Co. and the Young Colonials Jr. Ancient Fife and Drum Corps.

WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 2026 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Key visuals at 10 A.M. (monument dedications),11 A.M. (parade) and 2 P.M. (battle reenactment.)

WHERE: Opening is at Veteran Memorials Circle (behind Yorktown Town Hall, 363 Underhill Ave., Yorktown Heights, NY) and the main events are Railroad Park (Commerce St.)

VISUALS:

Hundreds of reenactors in authentic 18th-century regalia.

Period-accurate battle demonstration with musket smoke.

A fife and drum parade through the heart of Yorktown.

Diverse representation of Revolutionary-era soldiers and camp followers.