Independence Day: 7 important victories in the American Revolution

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Thursday, July 04, 2024

The Siege of Yorktown – Sept. 28 to Oct. 19, 1781

The taking of a redoubt at the siege of Yorktown, Virginia, during the American Revolution in 1781. | Public Domain

After a series of setbacks, British forces under General Lord Cornwallis retired to Yorktown, Virginia, partly in order to maintain a guarded port in the region for the British Empire.

American and French forces numbering around 17,500 laid siege to the city, with the French navy defeating British ships and cutting off the 8,300-strong army from escaping by sea.

Gradually, the defenses of the British were overwhelmed. After two failed attempts to break free from the surrounding enemy forces, Cornwallis agreed to surrender his army.

“News of the British defeat at Yorktown spread quickly. Celebrations took place throughout the United States. London was shocked,” explained the National Park Service.

“Replacing Cornwallis' captured army was a questionable proposition, particularly because the British also were engaged in military struggles in India, Gibraltar, the West Indies and Ireland.”

In March 1782, the British Parliament passed a resolution to seek an end to the war, and, in September of 1783, a final treaty was signed recognizing American independence.