Megan's Blog: Yorktown Battlefield

Yorktown was the only appropriate place to end this trip. When you are taking a travel class focusing on the Southern Theater during the American Revolution, ending in Yorktown is a no brainier. At the time the Siege of Yorktown occurred, the American Revolution had been on going for 7 years. Both the British and Patriots had seen decisive victories. Following the bloody Battle of Guilford Courthouse, British General, Cornwallis needed to find a port in order to replenish supplies. In 1781, Cornwallis brought his troops to Yorktown. This fatal move eventually led to the surrender of the British and allowed the American cause to prevail.

Above: Map highlighting other major battles occurring

in the Southern Theater. All of these battles paved the way

for the victory at Yorktown.

Patriot hopes for victory at Yorktown relied on both the use of the French navy and the strategic placement of land troops. Under the command of French Admiral de Grasse, thirty-four French naval ships headed for the coast of Virginia. When they reached the coast of Yorktown, the fight with the British fleet began. The French fleet defeated the British in only a few hours. British Admiral, Thomas Graves was forced to abandon Cornwallis and return to New York.

Above: Map highlighting the Naval Battle.

American troops were under the command of General George Washington and French General Comte de Rochambea. On October 14th, American forces were able to capture the last two major British defense. Between the French and American forces, the Patriots had almost 19, 000 troops fighting on their side. The British had a mere 9, 000 troops. Cornwallis was trapped. The British troops surrendered two days later. The Siege of Yorktown was the last major battle of the American Revolution. Peace negotiations began shortly after the American victory.

Above: Picture of the Yorktown Battlefield (facing the visitor's center).

Above: Cannons on display at the Battlefield.

One of my favorite parts of Yorktown was seeing the Surrender Field. In general, I love the irony in the story of the British surrender. Allow me to briefly explain this anecdote. The Battle of Charleston occurred in the Spring of 1780. Unlike Yorktown, this siege was a British victory. American troops requested to surrender with full military honors. The British disrespectfully denied this request. When Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, he made the same request. The Americans denied his request. The British were forced to surrender at Yorktown with the same honor received by the Americans at Charleston. In more than one aspect, Yorktown redeemed the American cause.