Gloucester Point The 1781 Siege of Yorktown - Gloucester Point VA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 37° 15.022 W 076° 30.085
18S E 366844 N 4123703
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.
Waymark Code: WM13BD9
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 10/31/2020
Views: 0
Gloucester Point-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)
Group that erected the marker: Colonial National Historical Park, National Park Service
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: [Web Link]
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
1376 Vernon Street,
Gloucester Point, VA USA
23062
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