Yorktown Battlefield: Where America Won Its Freedom

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On October 19, 1781, a trapped British army surrendered on a Virginia peninsula, marking a pivotal moment in the American Revolution. Today, visitors can explore the Yorktown Battlefield, part of Colonial National Historical Park, which preserves the siege lines, redoubts, and surrender field from this historic battle. The park also features a collection of Revolutionary War artifacts and a 7-mile battlefield tour road.

Why it matters

The Siege of Yorktown was the last major battle of the American Revolution, leading to Britain's recognition of American independence. The victory at Yorktown was the culmination of years of fighting by the Continental Army, from the harsh winter at Valley Forge to the Southern Campaign. Preserving this hallowed ground allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of the revolutionaries who secured America's freedom.

The details

In September 1781, George Washington arrived outside Yorktown, Virginia with a combined American and French force of 17,000 men, trapping a British army of nearly 8,000 soldiers led by General Cornwallis. Over the next three weeks, the allies methodically besieged the British, capturing key defensive positions and bringing their cannon close enough to make Cornwallis' position untenable. On October 17, Cornwallis requested terms, and on October 19, his army marched out and surrendered.

• The Siege of Yorktown began on September 28, 1781.
• On October 17, 1781, Cornwallis requested surrender terms.
• On October 19, 1781, the British army of nearly 8,000 soldiers marched out and laid down their arms.

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What’s next

The Yorktown Battlefield and surrounding Colonial National Historical Park continue to offer educational programs, guided tours, and opportunities for visitors to explore the site of this pivotal Revolutionary War battle.