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BATTLE // Sep–Oct 1781

Yorktown

Virginia · 37.239, -76.510

Cartographic map of the Yorktown
S. G. Goodrich, via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

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Overview

The Siege of Yorktown, also known as the Battle of Yorktown and the surrender at Yorktown, took place in 1781 and was the final major land engagement of the American Revolutionary War. It was won decisively by the Continental Army, led by George Washington, with support from the Marquis de Lafayette and French Army troops, led by Comte de Rochambeau, and a French Navy force commanded by the Comte de Grasse, defeating the British Army commanded by British Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

British field army surrendered

Result

Franco-American victory

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • United States8,000–9,000
    medium
  • Great Britain5,000
    medium

United States fielded a 1.7 : 1 numerical advantage

Casualties

  • Great Britain7,416–7,685
    medium151% loss rate

Commanders (21)

United States

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Related

6 sibling battles · 6 factions

Last verified May 2026
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