Yorktown in York County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
French Trench
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008
1. French Trench Marker
This earthwork was manned by the “Regiment Touraine” and formed the western portion of the French and American siege line surrounding Yorktown. From this line the French fired upon ships in the York River and the British fort behind you.Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Notable Places • War, US Revolutionary.
Location. 37° 14.418′ N, 76° 31.348′ W. Marker is in Yorktown, Virginia, in York County. Marker is on Fusiliers Redoubt ramp, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located across the road from the Yorktown Victory 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. Washington-Rochambeau Route (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named French Trench (about 300 feet away); The Washington – Rochambeau Route to Victory (about 400 feet away); Fusiliers Redoubt (about
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Yorktown Battlefield. National Park Service. (Submitted on September 4, 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 September 4, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008
2. Marker in Yorktown
Located at the extreme left of the American and French lines, this French artillery battery was commanded by the Marquis de Saint-Simon.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008
3. Artillery at the French Trench
This was the first battery of siege guns to fire on the British, aiming at the nearby Royal Welch Fusiliers Redoubt on October 9. These cannon are located in front on the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008
4. York River
The French Trench is on the banks of the York River. This photo was taken from in front of the marker. Artillery at this battery harassed British ships anchored between Yorktown and Gloucester Point on the far side of the bridge. On October 10, this battery set fire to three British ships using superheated cannon balls.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2017. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,051 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 4, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
