Yorktown in York County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
In Solemn Step
Colonial National Historical Park
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008
1. In Solemn Step Marker
At about twelve oclock, the combined army was arranged in two lines extending more than a mile . The French troops, in complete uniform, displayed a martial and noble appearance . The Americans exhibited an erect, soldierly air, every countenance beamed with satisfaction and joy. The concourse of spectators in point of numbers was probably equal to the military, but universal silence and order prevailed.
Surgeon James Thacher, M.D., Continental Army, October 19, 1781
On October 19, 1781, the now-paved road to your right was lined by American soldiers on the right and French soldiers on the left. Every eye was trained upon the arrival of the British troops. Spectators from miles around crowded behind the military formation in anticipation of the British parade. Washington had ordered Cornwallis to march his men from Yorktown at precisely 2 p.m., but unforeseen delays held their exit until 3 p.m.
Cornwallis sent word that he was ill and appointed Brigadier General Charles OHara to lead his troops. In solemn step, with arms shouldered and colors cased, the British and German prisoners marched with drums beating to this field where they surrendered their weapons. The victors and the defeated were unaware that the long struggle had ended.
Erected by Colonial
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Notable Places • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1936.
Location. 37° 12.529′ N, 76° 30.299′ W. Marker is in Yorktown, Virginia, in York County. It can be reached from Historical Tour Drive, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located on the Yorktown Battlefield in Colonial National Historical Park, at stop F on the Battlefield Tour. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yorktown VA 23690, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula, in Coastal Virginia, and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: News of Victory (within shouting distance of this marker); Brotherhood Preserved (within shouting distance of this marker); Ground Your Firelocks! (within shouting distance of this marker); Trophies of War (within shouting distance of this marker); Surrender Field (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Surrender Road (about 500 feet away); American Field Hospital (approx. 0.3 miles away); Marquis de Lafayette and His Division (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yorktown.
More about this marker. The background of the marker contains a painting of the surrender ceremony. It has a caption of “Louis Nicholas van Blarenberghes
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, October 23, 2016
2. In Solemn Step Marker
Also see . . .
1. Yorktown Battlefield. National Park Service. (Submitted on August 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. The Battle of Yorktown 1781. A British perspective of the Battle of Yorktown from BritishBattles.com. (Submitted on August 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008
3. Marker on the Yorktown Battlefield
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008
4. In Solemn Step Marker
The British Army passed this way during the surrender ceremony. The surrender road on which they marched can be seen in the background.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008
5. Surrender Road
On October 19, 1781, the British army marched down this road, from right to left, on their way to the surrender ceremony. The road was flanked by the American Army on the far side of the road and the French Army on the near side.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008
6. Surrender Field
On this field, on October 19, 1781, Cornwallis' army grounded their arms and colors, formally surrendering to Washington and his Allies.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,159 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2. submitted on November 30, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
