Yorktown Heights in Westchester County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
French Hill
— The Road to Victory During the American Revolution —
French Hill - The Road to Victory During the American Revolution
Background:
During the American Revolution, the Americans needed the help of the French to secure their hopes of independence. In 1778, thanks to the efforts of Ben Franklin and others, the French signed the Treaty of Alliance. The Continental Army would now have a powerful army and navy to support it. The officer in charge of the French Army was the Comte de Rochambeau. He would march his army from Rhode Island to New York. Commander in Chief George Washington wanted the combined American–French force to retake New York City. After a reconnaissance of the area it was determined that Yorktown Virginia was where the two armies would attack the British for what would be the final great battle of the American Revolution.
The Cornerstone of Independence - The Hudson River:
Crossing the Hudson River was the only effective way to go from north to south in 1781. The Hudson had been the scene of many battles and notable events during the war. It would now be the place where the two armies met and marched to victory!
The French Camps, Crompond:
The French Army encamped twice on and around what is now French Hill in Yorktown. Once before the Battle of Yorktown, Virginia in 1781, then on their march back in 1782.
1781:
On August 21st, 1781, The French forces under Comte de Rochambeau camped at and in the surrounding area of Hunt's Tavern (Route 202 corner of Hallocks Mill Rd) on their way to fight the British at Yorktown, Virginia. They set up headquarters at the tavern and camped in the surrounding area where you are standing now. On August 22nd, they marched from Crompond (Yorktown) to Verplank and then crossed the Hudson River at King's Ferry.
1782:
The French Army returned to Crompond on September 23rd, and camped until October 21st. The Soissonnais troops camped from French Hill southwest from this spot to the power lines. They would make French Hill and Crompond their longest encampment on their return march in 1782.
Four French line regiments landed with Rochambeau and marched south to fight in Virginia. All four encamped in the surrounding areas of Crompond and French Hill.
They were: Regiment de Saintoge, Regiment de Royal Deaux Ponts, Regiment de Bourbonnais and the Regiment de Soissonnais. Artillery companies also were attached to these regiments.
While encamped in Crompond the French Army changed the course of the stream for Hallocks Mill to improve the water supply. This stream known as a mill race can be seen along Route 202 near the Yorktown Police Station and Justice Court just west of here.
On October 21st, the French broke camp and marched out of Crompond never to return. Without their help the Continental Army could not have defeated the British and secured the independence of the United States of America.
For their aid and help we will always be truly grateful.
This sign created by Mr. C. DiPasquale's Living History Class: Joe Cavallo, Brandon Habal, Luke Metzner, Chris Price & Corey Solow. 2007-08
With support provided by: The Yorktown Historical Society, Assemblyman Greg Ball & Yorktown Central School District.
Erected 2008 by the Living History Class, Yorktown Historical Society, Yorktown Central School District.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the The Washington-Rochambeau Route series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1865.
Location. 41° 16.702′ N, 73° 47.346′ W. Marker is in Yorktown Heights, New York, in Westchester County. Marker is at the intersection of Baldwin Road and Lavoie Court, on the left when traveling south on Baldwin Road. Located on the grounds of French Hill School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2051 Baldwin Road, Yorktown Heights NY 10598, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Yorktown Korean and Vietnam Wars Monument (approx. ¾ mile away); Yorktown World War I Monument (approx. ¾ mile away); Yorktown World War II Monument (approx. ¾ mile away); Yorktown Church (approx. 1½ miles away); Black Soldiers of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment (approx. 1½ miles away); Burial Place (approx. 1½ miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 1½ miles away); Davenport House (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yorktown Heights.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 2,068 times since then and 73 times this year. Last updated on January 15, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 19, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.