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

Grand French Battery

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008

1. Grand French Battery Marker

Inscription. These three batteries and redoubt were a continuation of the Grand French Battery complex across the road. Occupying a section 1,000 feet from east to west, this battery complex contained approximately thirty pieces of artillery which bombarded the main British Defense a half-mile away. So effective was its work that the digging of the Second Parallel could take place one day after the Grand French Battery opened fire.

Erected by National Park Service.

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

Location. 37° 13.413′ N, 76° 30.414′ W. Marker is in Yorktown, Virginia, in York County. Marker is on Cook Road (Virginia Route 704), on the right when traveling south. Marker is located on the Yorktown Battlefield in Colonial National Historical Park, near stop B on the Battlefield Tour. 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. A different marker also named The Grand French Battery (within shouting distance of this marker); First Allied Siege Line (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shiloh Baptist Church (about 600 feet away); Yorktown National Cemetery

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Shiloh Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Slabtown (approx. 0.2 miles away); Surrender at Yorktown (approx. 0.2 miles away); Second Allied Siege Line (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 September 1, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

2. The Battle of Yorktown. The Patriot Resource website. (Submitted on September 1, 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 September 1, 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

This section of the Grand French Battery is located at the extreme left of the First Allied Siege Line.

Artillery at the Grand French Battery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008

3. Artillery at the Grand French Battery

Heavy artillery used at the Grand French Battery included mortars, howitzers, and 18- and 24-pounder siege guns like these.

Grand French Battery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008

4. Grand French Battery

The main portion of the Grand French Battery, pictured here, is across the road from the marker.

Yorktown Fortifications Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 12, 2008

5. Yorktown Fortifications Map

This map showing the fortifications at Yorktown in 1781 is on another marker at this site. The location of the Grand French Battery is indicated on the map.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,057 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 1, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.