We are talking major American Revolution time here. In fact the last major battle of the American Revolution was fought at Yorktown, Virginia.
Whoooohoooo...I finally bought my OWN Golden Pass today...or whatever it's called now. Spent $10 to save $7 for an attraction I could get in for free on Bill's pass. But now I have my own. Took a long time to earn this one. Okay, celebration over we can get back to the Visitor's Center at the Battlefield.
A little background on the last battle of the American Revolution: The Battle at Yorktown.
1. General George Washington vs. General Lord Charles Cornwallis
2. In August 1781 Washington learns Cornwallis is hunkered down near Yorktown, VA
3. Washington had to make sure the French ally, Lt. General Rochambeau, the French siege expert was IN.
4. Washington's and Rochambeau's army marched right past New York City with no challenge from the British.
5. Rochambeau sweet talked Rear Admiral Comte de Grasse and his French fleet to sail north from the Caribbean to Chesapeake with 40 ships.
6. General Cornwallis had 8500 troops, General Washington had 17000 and the French fleet blocking the Chesapeake and stopping British resupply ships from getting to Cornwallis.
7. Cornwallis made a serious strategic error by pulling his forces back from all but two of his redoubts (a fortified bunker and siege protection vantage point). Redoubts 9 and 10 were left manned to protect his flanks and allow the British to come up river with supplies. Of course Cornwallis did not know of the French fleet had just arrived and were patrolling the bay.
8. Washington appointed Alexander Hamilton (you know him as our First Secretary of the Treasury). During his career he challenged Vice President Arron Burr's run for Gov of New York and in a duel he was shot and died, July 1804. He's on the $10 bill. He's also a major contributor to our Constitution.
9. The redoubts were taken, number 9 by the French, and number 10 by the Americans without a shot being fired.
10. Washington's men then connected all the redoubts with a second siege line basically putting the two opposing forces 1/4 mile apart.
11. General Cornwallis realizes he's seriously compromised now and ultimately surrenders.
A painting of the bombardment of Yorktown from the first siege line. The second line was much closer, near the row of trees near the horizon.
Redoubt 9 taken by the French. The French flag still flies.
Behind the second siege lines that connected all the redoubts.
Redoubt 10 on the banks of the river, taken by the Americans. Both were taken in less than one hour.
The American Flag still flies at Redoubt 10.
Some of these cannons are original and some are reproductions. They shoot 24 pound down to 6 pound balls.
After a guided tour of the British battlefield we drove a 7 mile route around the major battlefield that identified all the French and American encampments and other important sites.
Below is a picture of the Deposit. This is where supplies, ammunition and everything needed during the siege.
On the day of surrender, General Cornwallis claimed he was sick and instead of surrendering his army himself he sent the second in command. The British troops marched 4 abreast towards Surrender Field. The route was lined with French on the west side and Americans on the east. Midpoint along the route were General Rochambeau and General Washington and there commanding officers. The British second in command handed the British flag to Rochambeau to discredit the Americans. This tactic failed and Rochambeau refused it and directed him to General Washington. It was then presented to Washington who also refused it, deferring to his second in command to receive it. Touche'
This fence lines the actual road the surrendering British marched on October 17, 1781.
The British, French and American flags now fly over Surrender Field.
Another painting of the surrender of the British marching out four abreast from Yorktown. A line over a mile long heading to Surrender Field.
The Surrender Field Trophies of War. Each cannon is marked as below.
As each row of British soldier approached the front line of surrender they laid down their rifles.
Most of the American troops during this particular battle were made up of Virginia Militia from the fields and towns. All "militia" type armies are now called our National Guard.
When we completed the Battlefield drive we headed to Yorktown itself.
Yorktown Victory Monument. Built over a 100 years after the victory of General Washington at Yorktown.
These beaches are very popular during the warmer weather. Today, with a tornado warning out, it was pretty quiet, except for us and a huge group of prom night dates hitting the local restaurants.
The bridge to Gloucester, VA.
You can see the wind whipping up the harbor area. These two three masted sailing ships take people out on the river for an hour at a time. They are both snugged down for the bad weather.
A cute museum oddity in town.
We didn't stop to tour the town, opting to hightail it back to the rig as the rain and wind started.
Thanks for visiting. Come back soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment