Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Yorktown Battlefield

Built in 1884, the Yorktown Victory Monument honors the American victory at Yorktown and the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the battle. Its design represents the original 13 colonies, the states that formed the nation by the time it was built, and Lady Liberty watching over the country from above.

Redoubt 9 was one of the British outer defenses protecting Yorktown during the siege. On the night of October 14, 1781, French soldiers stormed the fortified position under heavy fire, captured it in a rapid assault, and helped break the British defensive line.

Redoubt 10 was another key British fortification attacked on the night of October 14, 1781. American troops led by Alexander Hamilton captured the position in only about ten minutes, while French forces simultaneously seized Redoubt 9, bringing the Allied lines even closer to Yorktown.

The Moore House played an important role in the final days of the Battle of Yorktown. Representatives of British General Cornwallis and the American-French coalition met here to negotiate the terms of the British surrender, helping bring the decisive siege to an end.

Surrender Field marks the place where defeated British troops marched between American and French forces after the surrender was finalized. Here, British soldiers laid down their weapons, symbolizing the end of the Battle of Yorktown and one of the most decisive moments of the American Revolution.

This site marks the location of General George Washington's headquarters during the Siege of Yorktown. Washington used two large tents here for sleeping, meetings, dining, and planning military strategy with commanders including Rochambeau, Lafayette, Henry Knox, and Alexander Hamilton.

French Artillery Park was used to store and repair some of the largest siege weapons employed during the Battle of Yorktown. Cannons, mortars, and howitzers kept here supported the powerful French artillery that helped batter British defenses and played a major role in the Allied victory.

The Grand French Battery held the largest concentration of French artillery at Yorktown. Cannons, mortars, and howitzers positioned behind defensive earthworks bombarded British fortifications, demonstrating the crucial role French military support played in securing the American victory.

Yorktown Beach sits along the scenic York River, with views toward Gloucester Point across the water. Today, it offers visitors a relaxing waterfront stop and is located near the historic area explored during the Yorktown Battlefield tour.

Established in 1866, Yorktown National Cemetery contains the remains of more than 2,100 Civil War soldiers. Among those buried here is Union Private William Scott, who was pardoned by President Abraham Lincoln after being sentenced to death for falling asleep while on guard duty.

The Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center serves as an important stop for visitors exploring the historic battlefield. Guests can obtain an entrance pass here for the National Park Service-managed battlefield sites before continuing through the places connected to the Siege of Yorktown.

The French Cemetery contains the remains of 50 French soldiers who were killed during the Battle of Yorktown. The soldiers were buried together in a common grave, and their individual identities remain unknown, though historians have continued efforts to identify them.