The 1781 Siege of Yorktown

"The works on the Gloucester side are in some forwardness, and I hope a situation to resist a sudden attack." General Charles Lord Cornwallis to General Sir Henry Clinton, August 12, 1781.

While the earthworks in front of you date to the Civil War, during the 1781 Siege of Yorktown, the British also constructed extensive fortifications in this area. The narrow gap in the York River between Yorktown and Gloucester Point necessitated fortifications and artillery batteries at both places so the British under Cornwallis could protect ships anchored in the gap.

In Yorktown, as Cornwallis' predicament worsened, he decided to escape from the grip General George Washington had on his troops by escaping across the York River. The attempt to join his troops at Gloucester Point on the night of October 16-17 was thwarted by bad weather. Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton noted that with the failed escape attempt: "Thus expired the last hope of the British army." Two days later Cornwallis surrendered.

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Gloucester Point Forces - 1781 Siege of Yorktown
British Garrison
1,000
British Commander:
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Dundas (until Oct. 12, 1781)
Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton

American and French Forces
2,900
Overall Commander:
Brigadier General Claude Gabriel de Choisy (French)

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Show me all markers in:  Gloucester Point, VA  |  Gloucester County  |  23062  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

Welcome to Gloucester Point
Gloucester Point
Early Land Patent
After the Surrender at Yorktown
Natives, Explorers, Tobacco and Buccaneers
A Vital British Outpost at Gloucester Point
Attacking with "Decisive Vigor"
The British Safety Valve
Where North Meets South
On to Richmond!

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