The Final Battle of the Revolutionary War: Where did it Take Place?
The Revolutionary War, a turning point in American history, lasted for eight long years, from 1775 to 1783. The war saw numerous battles fought on various fronts, each with its significance in determining the outcome of the war. While the war didn’t end with a dramatic final battle like World War II’s Battle of Berlin or the Napoleonic Wars’ Battle of Leipzig, the Treaty of Paris, signed on September 3, 1783, marked the formal end of the war. Still, there was one battle that is often referred to as the last significant clash of the war.
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Background of the Final Battle
The Battle of Yorktown, also known as the Siege of Yorktown, was a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War. Fought from September 28 to October 19, 1781, the battle was a joint operation involving American and French forces led by General George Washington, General Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Rochambeau, and Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse.
The Battle of Yorktown was fought in Yorktown, Virginia, a small seaport town on the York River, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) southeast of Richmond, the state capital. In the summer of 1781, Washington and Rochambeau began preparing for a decisive battle. They had received intelligence about the presence of British forces under General Charles Cornwallis, who was camped near Yorktown, after being forced to abandon Philadelphia.
The American and French Forces
The combined forces of Washington and Rochambeau, known as the Continental Army, and the French forces, referred to as the Army of the North, were an impressive sight. They marched from New York City and arrived at Yorktown with over 14,000 troops.
Here are the numbers:
| Faction | Troops |
|---|---|
| Continental Army (American Forces) | 14,000 |
| French Forces | 7,900 |
| Total | 21,900 |
The French forces, arriving from the west, blocked the Chesapeake Bay, preventing Cornwallis’s escape by sea. In addition, Admiral de Grasse, with a fleet of warships, blocked the Chesapeake Bay and prevented British relief forces led by General William Phillips, who were approaching from Baltimore.
The Siege of Yorktown
On September 28, 1781, Washington’s troops set up camp outside Yorktown, while the French force positioned themselves on the outer defenses. Over the next few days, they entrenched themselves, creating a protective barrier of dug trenches and earthen bunkers. Cornwallis, aware of his isolated position, begged for reinforcements but in vain.
French cavalry and infantry played a crucial role in the siege, disrupting British supply lines and gathering intelligence on enemy positions. Meanwhile, American gunners began shelling the British defenses, destroying barracks and gun emplacements.
On October 14, Cornwallis attempted a daring escape attempt, ordering a portion of his troops to cross the York River at dawn to attack the French positions and break through to freedom. However, General Deux-Ponts and his French cavalry stood in their way, causing the British forces to hesitate and ultimately turn back. This repelled breakout attempt weakened Cornwallis’s resolve to continue resistance.
The American Victory
On October 19, 1781, the British General Cornwallis informed Washington that he would cease fighting and negotiate a surrender. The next day, after a brief ceasefire, Lord Charles Cornwallis and General O’Hara rode forward to surrender their arms, marking a significant turning point in American history.
The Treaty of Paris, signed in May 1783, recognized American independence, effectively bringing an end to the war. The Battle of Yorktown, often cited as the last battle of the Revolutionary War, saw General Cornwallis and his nearly 8,000-man army surrender, and 1,000 loyalists also gave themselves up.
In conclusion, Yorktown, Virginia was the final battleground in the Revolutionary War, witnessing the decisive Siege of Yorktown, and ultimately, the defeat and surrender of the British army. This crucial event signaled the end of the conflict and paved the way for the United States’ existence as an independent nation.
Key Points:
• The Battle of Yorktown was fought from September 28 to October 19, 1781
• The battle involved around 21,900 combined forces of American and French armies
• French cavalry, infantry, and gunners played a significant role in the siege
• Cornstalk’s attempted escape on October 14 failed due to French resistance
• British General Cornwallis and Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered, marking the end of hostilities
• The treaty of Paris in 1783 formally recognized American independence
