The Battle and Siege of Yorktown lasted for three weeks, specifically from September 28 to October 19, 1781.
This decisive engagement was a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. It involved a coordinated effort by American and French forces to besiege British General Lord Charles Cornwallis's army at Yorktown, Virginia. The prolonged siege operations and continuous bombardment ultimately led to the British surrender, effectively marking the end of major hostilities in the war and paving the way for American independence.
Key Details of the Siege of Yorktown
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | September 28 – October 19, 1781 |
| Duration | 3 weeks |
| Location | Gloucester and Yorktown, Virginia |
| Outcome | Franco-American victory |
The strategic brilliance of General George Washington, in conjunction with the French forces led by General Rochambeau and the crucial naval blockade by Admiral de Grasse's French fleet, trapped Cornwallis's army. The final surrender on October 19, 1781, was a profound blow to British efforts to retain control over the American colonies and significantly influenced the peace negotiations that led to the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
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