The Yorktown Campaign of 1781

Learn more about Washington's great triumph at Yorktown in October of 1781.

Supported by the French army and navy, Washington's forces defeated Lord Charles Cornwallis' veteran army dug in at Yorktown, Virginia. Victory at Yorktown led directly to the peace negotiations that ended the war in 1783 and gave America its independence.

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Now or Never: The Yorktown Campaign

Watch our new animated presentation on the 1781 Yorktown Campaign.

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The Yorktown Campaign

Check out our encyclopedia article on the 1781 Yorktown Campaign.

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Count de Rochambeau

Learn more about Jean-Baptiste-Donatien de Vimeur, better known as the Count de Rochambeau who alongside General George Washington defeated the British at Yorktown

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Teaching the Battle of Yorktown

Check out our collection of educational materials related to this essential battle of the Revolutionary War.

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Map: The Yorktown Campaign

View and download a copy of our new Yorktown Campaign map. Learn more about how the armies all arrived at Yorktown in the Fall of 1781.

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Map: The Siege of Yorktown

View and download a copy of our new Siege of Yorktown map. This more detailed map will show you the positions of the British, Hessian, French, and American forces.

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The Articles of Capitulation

Read the articles of capitulation - the agreed upon terms of Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown in October 1781.

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French Reconnaissance Map

In the American War for Independence, 1781 is famous for the Franco-American victory at Yorktown, but it could have been known for a disastrous defeat at New York City.

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