Overview

Visit the critical Yorktown Battlefield in the Colonial National Historical Park to see where American independence was won. On October 19, 1781, British forces led by Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered to American and French forces here under the leadership of General George Washington. This battle was the turning point in the American Revolution, although a peace treaty was not signed for two more years.

The Visitor Center provides an informative introduction to the battle and has on display field tents that General Washington used. While touring the battlefield, look out for canons, the Moore House and Surrender Field.