Yorktown, Jamestown, Williamsburg

Yorktown is famous as the site of the siege and subsequent surrender of General Cornwallis to General George Washington, and the French Fleet during the American Revolutionary War on October 19, 1781.

Although the war would last for another year, this British defeat at Yorktown effectively ended the War.

Today, Yorktown is part of an important national resource known as the Historic Triangle of Yorktown, Jamestown and Williamsburg.

This is the house near the battlefield where terms of surrender were discussed. Inside was one of the many, many volunteers that I have encountered in the National Parks, to help visitors understand the Revolutionary War story.

The room where terms of surrender were negotiated between British and American envoys.

Lord Cornwallis ,unable to face the humiliation of defeat, called in sick and sent an aide to turn his sword over to General Washington. Cornwallis went on to have quite a career in India.

Surrender at Yorktown.