Siege of Yorktown facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Yorktown
Part of the Yorktown campaign of the American Revolutionary War
Surrender of Lord Cornwallis John Trumbull, 1820
Date September 28 – October 19, 1781 (3 weeks) Location Gloucester and Yorktown, Virginia 37°13′51″N 76°30′09″W / 37.23083°N 76.50250°W / 37.23083; -76.50250 Result Franco-American victory
Belligerents
United States  France	Great Britain  Loyalists Hesse-Kassel Ansbach-Bayreuth
Commanders and leaders
George Washington Benjamin Lincoln Henry Knox Alexander Hamilton Friedrich von Steuben Thomas Nelson Moses Hazen Henry Dearborn Marquis de Lafayette Comte de Rochambeau Comte d'Aboville Marquis de Choisy Comte de Grasse Comté de Deux-Ponts	Charles Cornwallis  Charles O'Hara  Banastre Tarleton (WIA)  Robert Abercromby  Thomas Dundas  Thomas Symonds  Matthias von Fuchs  August von Salzburg  Johann von Seybothen
Strength
Americans: 8,000–9,000 men  • 5,900 regular troops  • 3,100 militia (not engaged) French: 10,800 men and 29 warships Total: 19,800 (fewer engaged)	British: 5,000 German: fewer than 3,000 Total: 8,000–9,000
Casualties and losses
88 killed 301 wounded Total: 389	142–309 killed 326–595 wounded prisoners 7,416–7,685 captured Total: 7,884–8,589

The Siege of Yorktown was a very important battle during the American Revolutionary War. It was the last major fight on land. The American army, led by George Washington, won a big victory. They had help from the French army, led by Comte de Rochambeau, and the French navy, led by Comte de Grasse. Together, they defeated the British army, commanded by General Charles Cornwallis. This victory helped America win its independence.

The Road to Yorktown

Early Battles in Virginia

Before the main battle, there were many smaller fights. In late 1780, a British general named Benedict Arnold attacked parts of Virginia. He raided towns like Richmond. General Washington and the French commander, Rochambeau, wanted to stop him. They sent the Marquis de Lafayette with American troops to Virginia. The French navy tried to help, but they had a small fight with the British navy. The British navy kept control of the Chesapeake Bay for a while.

More British troops arrived in Virginia. They continued to attack towns and important supply places. Lafayette's American forces tried to protect the area. The British avoided big battles with Lafayette's growing army.

Later, General Cornwallis came to Virginia with more British soldiers. He took command of all British forces there. Cornwallis thought Virginia would be easier to control.

Cornwallis now had about 7,200 soldiers. He tried to chase Lafayette's smaller American army. But Lafayette was smart and avoided a direct fight. Cornwallis then moved his army to Yorktown. His orders were to build a strong port there.

French and American Plans

Meanwhile, a large French army, led by Comte de Rochambeau, had arrived in America. In July 1781, the French and American armies met near New York City. Rochambeau, a very experienced general, agreed to follow Washington's lead.

Washington wanted to attack New York City. But Rochambeau thought it would be better to go south. He knew that a powerful French navy fleet, led by Admiral de Grasse, was heading to the American coast.

In August, Washington learned that Admiral de Grasse and his fleet were sailing to Virginia. They would bring more soldiers and warships. De Grasse said he could only stay for a short time. So, Washington changed his plans. He decided to move his army south to Virginia to join forces with the French.

The March South

On August 19, 1781, Washington and Rochambeau began a long march to Yorktown. They took 7,000 soldiers with them. Washington kept their true destination a secret. He even sent false messages to trick the British general, Clinton. Clinton believed the American and French armies were still planning to attack New York. This deception kept Cornwallis from knowing he was in danger.

The armies marched through Philadelphia. Along the way, American soldiers needed to be paid. Rochambeau generously provided gold coins to help. This helped keep the alliance strong. On September 5, Washington heard that Admiral de Grasse's fleet had arrived in the Chesapeake Bay. De Grasse dropped off his soldiers to join Lafayette. Then, his ships picked up more American troops. Washington even stopped at his home, Mount Vernon, on his way to Yorktown.

The Battle of the Chesapeake

While the armies marched, a big naval battle happened. Admiral Sir Thomas Graves led a British fleet to attack de Grasse's French fleet. The British did not know how many ships the French had. On September 5, the French fleet won the Battle of the Chesapeake. This victory was crucial. It meant the British navy could not rescue Cornwallis. It also stopped Cornwallis from escaping by sea. Washington arrived in Williamsburg, Virginia, on September 14.

The Siege of Yorktown Begins

An illustrated plan of the Battle of Yorktown drawn in 1875

A map of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route

Surrounding Yorktown

By September 26, more French soldiers and heavy cannons arrived. Washington now commanded a large army of about 19,000 American and French troops. On September 28, Washington led his army from Williamsburg to surround Yorktown. The French army took positions on the left side. The American army took the right side. Cornwallis had built several small forts, called redoubts, and earth walls around Yorktown. He also had cannons protecting the York River. Washington studied the British defenses. He decided they could be defeated with a strong cannon attack. That night, the soldiers slept outside. They also built bridges over marshy areas.

On September 29, the allied army moved closer to Yorktown. British cannons fired at them, but few soldiers were hurt. American and German soldiers fighting for the British also exchanged gunfire.

Cornwallis decided to pull his troops back. He left most of his outer defenses. He kept only a few key forts, like Redoubts 9 and 10. He did this because he hoped British reinforcements would arrive soon. The American and French armies quickly took over the abandoned British defenses. They started setting up their own cannons there. Both sides worked hard to build and improve their trenches and defenses.

Vallière 4-pounder, French Grand Battery, Yorktown, Virginia

On September 30, the French attacked a British fort, but were pushed back. On October 1, the allies learned that the British were running low on food. They had to kill many horses. In the American camp, soldiers cut down thousands of trees. This wood was used to build strong earthworks for their cannons.

The Great Bombardment

Washington firing the first gun

On the night of October 6, in stormy weather, troops began digging the first "parallel" trench. This trench was about 2,000 yards long. It ran closer to the British lines. Washington himself struck the first blow with a pickaxe. The French and American cannons were slowly moved into place. The British tried to stop them with gunfire, but the allies kept working.

By October 9, all the French and American cannons were ready. At 3:00 PM, the French cannons began firing. They forced a British ship to sink. At 5:00 PM, the American cannons joined in. Legend says Washington fired the first shot. The allied cannons began to destroy the British defenses. Washington ordered the cannons to fire all night. This stopped the British from making repairs. British soldiers started to leave their posts.

On October 10, the Americans destroyed a large house in Yorktown. They thought Cornwallis might be there. Cornwallis sank more of his own ships in the harbor. The French also set a British ship on fire. Cornwallis received a message that British help was coming, but he knew he couldn't hold out much longer.

On the night of October 11, Washington ordered a second parallel trench to be dug. This new trench was even closer to the British. The British did not realize a new trench was being built. By morning, the allied troops were in their new, closer positions.

Attacking the Redoubts

Storming of Redoubt No. 10

The storming of Redoubt No. 10 by Eugène Lami

By October 14, the trenches were very close to British Redoubts 9 and 10. These were small forts that blocked the allied advance. Washington ordered all cannons to blast these redoubts. He planned a surprise attack that night. Soldiers were told not to load their muskets until they reached the forts. They would attack with "cold steel," meaning bayonets.

Redoubt 10 was near the river and held by 70 British soldiers. Redoubt 9 was further inland with 120 British and German soldiers. Both forts had rows of sharp wooden stakes and muddy ditches. The French would attack Redoubt 9. The Americans, led by Alexander Hamilton, would attack Redoubt 10.

Storming of Redoubt No. 9

At 6:30 PM, a fake attack began elsewhere to distract the British. Then, the Americans charged Redoubt 10. They chopped through the wooden defenses and climbed into the fort. The British fired heavily, but the Americans overwhelmed them. They fought with bayonets and captured almost the entire British force. The Americans lost 9 dead and 25 wounded.

At the same time, the French attacked Redoubt 9. They also had to cut through defenses. After a short fight, the German soldiers defending it surrendered.

With Redoubts 9 and 10 captured, the allies could now fire cannons at Yorktown from three sides. On October 15, Cornwallis tried a desperate move. He sent 350 British troops to attack the allied lines. They spiked, or disabled, several American and French cannons. But French soldiers quickly drove them back. By morning, all the spiked cannons were repaired. The bombardment continued even stronger.

On October 16, Cornwallis tried to evacuate his troops across the York River. He hoped to escape and march to New York. One group of boats made it across. But a sudden storm hit when they returned for more soldiers. This made the escape impossible.

The British Surrender

Overview of the capitulation of the British army at Yorktown, including Yorktown's blockade by a French squadron

The allied cannon fire on Yorktown was heavier than ever. Cornwallis and his officers knew their situation was hopeless.

On the morning of October 17, a British drummer appeared, followed by an officer waving a white flag. The firing stopped. Negotiations began at the Moore House. Washington made sure the French had an equal say in the surrender terms.

The surrender of Lord Cornwallis, October 19, 1781, at Yorktown

At 2:00 PM on October 19, the allied army entered the British positions. The British had asked to march out with their flags flying and music playing. But Washington refused. He remembered how the British had treated American soldiers at the siege of Charleston. So, the British and German troops marched out with their flags furled. Their band played a British or German march.

Surrender of Cornwallis. At Yorktown, VA, Oct. 1781, a painting by Nathaniel Currier

General Cornwallis did not attend the surrender ceremony. He claimed he was ill. Instead, General Charles O'Hara led the British army. O'Hara first tried to surrender to Rochambeau. Rochambeau pointed to Washington. O'Hara then offered his sword to Washington. Washington also refused and pointed to his second-in-command, Major General Benjamin Lincoln. Lincoln finally accepted the sword.

The British soldiers marched out and laid down their weapons. Many civilians watched. In total, about 8,000 soldiers, 214 cannons, and many other supplies were captured.

The Impact of Disease

During the siege, many British soldiers suffered from Malaria. This disease was common in the marshy areas of Virginia. Cornwallis estimated that half of his army was too sick to fight. Many American soldiers had grown up with malaria and had some resistance to it. Most French soldiers had not been in America long enough to show symptoms before the surrender.

Terms of Surrender

The terms of surrender were signed on October 19, 1781. They outlined what would happen to the soldiers and supplies. Cornwallis's men became prisoners of war. Officers were allowed to return home after promising not to fight again. Washington refused to let the British soldiers return to England. He also insisted that the British receive the same surrender terms they had given the Americans at Charleston. This meant no flags flying or triumphant music.

One important point was about people who had joined the British army. Washington refused to promise that these individuals would not be punished. However, a loophole allowed Cornwallis to send some people, including those who had sided with the British, away on a ship without inspection.

After the Victory

The victory at Yorktown and the American Revolution were honored in Libertas Americana, a 1783 medallion minted in Paris, designed there by US Ambassador Benjamin Franklin.

After the surrender, American and French officers hosted the British officers for dinner. Cornwallis was not there. The French officers were kind to the defeated British. Rochambeau even lent Cornwallis money.

Five days after the battle, the British fleet sent to rescue Cornwallis arrived. They learned that Cornwallis had already surrendered. The British fleet, outnumbered, returned to New York.

American and French soldiers at the siege of Yorktown. From left to right, a Black soldier from the First Rhode Island Regiment, a New England militiaman, a Western frontier rifleman, and a French officer

Washington ordered that individuals who had joined the British forces and were seeking freedom be gathered. They were held under guard until arrangements could be made for their return to their previous owners.

Washington sent a messenger to Congress to report the victory. Philadelphia celebrated for days. When the British Prime Minister, Lord North, heard the news, he reportedly said, "Oh God, it's all over." In March 1782, the British Parliament voted to stop fighting in North America. Lord North's government resigned.

Washington moved the Continental Army to New York. They stayed there until the Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783. This treaty officially ended the eight-year war. It established the independence of the American colonies. The victory at Yorktown was the last major battle of the war.

Remembering Yorktown

A 1931 US postage stamp depicting Rochambeau, Washington, and de Grasse, issued in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the victory at Yorktown in 1781

Yorktown Day is celebrated every year on October 19. It includes a parade, wreath-laying, and demonstrations.

There is a story that General Cornwallis's sword is displayed at the White House. However, historians say that when General O'Hara offered the sword, it was immediately returned to him.

The American Battlefield Trust and its partners have helped preserve parts of the Yorktown battlefield.

The Siege of Yorktown is sometimes called "the German battle" in some German histories. This is because many German soldiers fought on all three sides. Over 2,500 Germans fought with the British and French. More than 3,000 German Americans were in Washington's army.

Several modern U.S. Army units trace their history back to units that fought at Yorktown.

The Yorktown Victory Monument

The Yorktown Victory Monument

Five days after the British surrendered, Congress decided to build a monument. It would honor those who fought in the battle. However, building it was delayed for many years due to other important needs.

In 1876, the idea for the monument was brought up again. Finally, in 1881, for the battle's 100th anniversary, construction began. The monument was completed in 1885. It stands today within Colonial National Historical Park.

Yorktown Celebrations

On October 19, 1881, a big ceremony marked the battle's 100th anniversary. U.S. naval ships were in the Chesapeake Bay. President Chester Arthur gave his first public speech. Descendants of famous generals like Lafayette and Rochambeau were also there. To end the ceremony, President Arthur ordered a salute to the British flag.

A four-day celebration took place in Yorktown for the 150th anniversary in 1931. President Herbert Hoover and representatives from France attended. The Colonial National Historical Park, where the battlegrounds are preserved, was officially dedicated.

The Yorktown Bicentennial was a huge national celebration in 1981. It marked the 200th anniversary of the surrender. Presidents Ronald Reagan and François Mitterrand of France were the main guests. Thousands of visitors watched reenactments of the battle. The Yorktown Victory Center hosted an exhibition with rare artifacts.

The U.S. Postal Service issued special stamps. These stamps honored the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown and the Battle of the Virginia Capes.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is a historical museum. It tells the story of America's founding. It covers everything from colonial unrest to the creation of the United States. The museum has indoor galleries with rare artifacts. It also features films and outdoor living-history areas. These areas include a Continental Army camp and a re-created farm.

The museum first opened in 1976 as the Yorktown Victory Center. It officially became the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown in 2017.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Yorktown (1781) para niños

• Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)
• List of American Revolutionary War battles
• List of George Washington articles
• USS Yorktown, for a list of U.S. Navy ships named after the battle