The Battle of Yorktown was a decisive victory for General George Washingtons forces over British General Lord Charles Cornwallis. This battle took place from September 28 to October 19, 1781, and marked the end of the last major military campaign in the American Revolutionary War. It is considered one of the most significant events leading up to the surrender of the British army.

Yorktown, established in 1691 by Virginias colonial government, is strategically located along the York River, which feeds into the Chesapeake Bay. The areas physical qualities made it an attractive location for General Cornwallis to move his army through during their campaign in the southern colonies.

The French navy and the Continental Army collaborated on a daring plan to trap Cornwallis at Yorktown, ultimately leading to his surrender. British prisoners were then marched to prison camps in Winchester, Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. The American army returned to the Hudson River area following the victory at Yorktown.

Yorktown was also the site of two sieges - one during the Revolutionary War and another in 1862 during the Civil War. Today, visitors can explore these historical sites at Colonial National Historical Park, which interprets the events that occurred there through battle maps, history articles, facts, and preservation news.

The Battle of Yorktown played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and left a lasting impact on the United States as we know it today. As you stand here at this historic location, imagine the bravery and determination of the soldiers who fought for their countrys freedom. You can almost hear the distant echoes of battle cries and feel the tension in the air as the decisive moment approached when Lord Cornwallis surrendered his troops to General George Washington.

This is the exact location where history was made, shaping the course of our nation and ensuring its future as an independent entity. As you wander through these hallowed grounds, remember that you are walking on the same soil where heroes once stood, and their legacy continues to inspire us all.