Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Battlefield · Williamsburg, Virginia
Yorktown Battlefield
The 1781 siege ground where American and French forces forced the British surrender and decided the Revolutionary War, with reconstructed trenches and the historic village.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Yorktown Battlefield
In September and October 1781, George Washington’s American army and the French troops under the Comte de Rochambeau besieged British General Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown on the York River. With the French fleet blocking the Chesapeake Bay, Cornwallis surrendered on October 19, and the defeat led the British to negotiate an end to the war.
The battlefield is part of Colonial National Historical Park. Circuit roads pass reconstructed trenches and redoubts, allied encampments, and the surrender field. The Moore House, where terms were negotiated, can be visited on some days.
The visitor center has a film, battle artifacts, and an exhibit about the siege. From there you can walk to the village of Yorktown, with 18th-century houses, the victory monument, and a riverside beach on the York River.
The village also has a waterfront boardwalk, the Riverwalk, with restaurants and a pier that offers sailing excursions in season.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours.
Best time
From spring through fall. On October 19, the surrender anniversary usually features special programming.
How to get there
It is located at the end of Colonial Parkway, about 20 km from Williamsburg, with parking at the visitor center.
Tip
The visitor center brochure lists the circuit stops; at least the main stretch is worthwhile. National park annual passes are accepted; there is a combined ticket with Jamestown.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Yorktown Battlefield
What happened at Yorktown?
In 1781, American and French troops besieged the British army, which surrendered on October 19. The defeat led to the end of the War of Independence.
How do you tour the Yorktown battlefield?
By car, along circuit roads with marked stops, starting from the visitor center.
Is it worth visiting the town of Yorktown?
Yes. It has 18th‑century houses, the victory monument, the Riverwalk and a river beach on the York River, within walking distance of the visitor center.