Yorktown in York County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Hornwork

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008

1. The Hornwork Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

To your right the British extended their works outward along the York-Hampton Road a principal entrance into Yorktown which they blocked with this “Hornwork.” It was garrisoned by Colonel Abercrombie’s Light Infantry.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Notable Places • War, US Civil • War, US Revolutionary.

Location. 37° 13.803′ N, 76° 30.35′ W. Marker is in Yorktown, Virginia, in York County. Marker is on Colonial Pkwy, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located on the Yorktown Battlefield in Colonial National Historical Park, at stop A on the Battlefield Tour near the Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yorktown VA 23690, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. British Inner Defense Line (a few steps from this marker); Cornwallis Headquarters (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Yorktown (about 500 feet away); Home of Thomas Nelson

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(about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Yorktown (approx. 0.2 miles away); Yorktown Bicentennial Pine Trees (approx. 0.2 miles away); Don't Tread on Me! (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Yorktown (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yorktown.

Also see . . .
1. Yorktown Battlefield. National Park Service. (Submitted on August 31, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

2. The Battle of Yorktown. The Patriot Resource website. (Submitted on August 31, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

3. The Battle of Yorktown 1781. A British perspective of the Battle of Yorktown from BritishBattles.com. (Submitted on August 31, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Marker on the Yorktown Battlefield image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008

2. Marker on the Yorktown Battlefield

Fortifications from Two Wars image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008

3. Fortifications from Two Wars

These earthworks were built in 1781 by Cornwallis' British and German troops. In 1861, Confederate forces under Gen. John B. Magruder reinforced the remains of these Revolutionary War fortifications to block Union Gen. George B. McClellan's advance to Richmond.

British Earthworks image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008

4. British Earthworks

The Hornwork was part of the British Inner Defense Line. After the arrival of Washington and Rochambeau's forces, the British withdrew from their outer defenses and consolidated at this point.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,305 times since then and 205 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 31, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.