The Path to Victory

The Path to Victory. . In 1781, the American and French allies combined their armies at a pivotal turning point in the Revolutionary War. Under the command of General George Washington and French General Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, the armies marched south to lay siege to Yorktown, Virginia. In a decisive victory, they captured the British Army under General Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis. This single campaign assured American independence. , The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail follows the routes used between 1781 and 1783 by allied American and French forces to and from the successful siege of Yorktown, Virginia. This network of roads and water trails winds over 700 miles through nine states and the District of Columbia. , Take this Revolutionary Route and explore historic sites and communities that once hosted Revolutionary War soldiers. Learn the stories of people who helped pave the way to victory and an independent United States. , A Powerful Partnership , George Washington: 1732-1799 Congress choose George Washington to command the Continental Army in 1775. His strategic insight and leadership culminated in American independence. After the war, Washington resigned his military command. He later became the first President of the United States in 1789. , Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau: 1725-1807 The French nobleman and distinguished officer was appointed commander of the French Army sent to America in 1780 to fight the British. After success there, he continued his military career until 1792. Arrested in 1794 during the French Revolution, he was released later that year and retired to his estates. , [Caption bottom right)] The encampment of the French Army at East Hartford, Connecticutt, in 1782.