Project Title
Washington–Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Study

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Project Overview

In October 2006, the National Park Service completed the Washington–Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Study as authorized by Congress through the Washington–Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Heritage Act of 2000 (PL106-473). The purpose of the study is to determine if the route is eligible to become a National Historic Trail. If the National Park Service determines that the route is nationally and historically significant, retains its integrity and has the potential for public recreation, Congress could designate the route a National Historic Trail. Meeting these criteria could enable the National Park Service to support groups, projects and activities associated with the trail’s preservation and interpretation. The study identifies alternative management options to preserve and interpret this important part of our heritage.  At the time of distribution, the NPS requested public comments on the study.  These comments have been addressed and an errata to the study has been completed.

Public Documents:

W3R Study Public Response Document Cover Letter.pdf

W3R Study Public Response Document.pdf

Washington–Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Study and Environmental Assessment October 2006 pdf Right Click on link to save to Disk

W3R Study Errata.pdf

Detailed route map October 2006 LO-RES.pdf

Historical route map October 2006 LO-RES.pdf

Detailed route map October 2006 HI-RES.pdf

Historical route map October 2006 HI-RES.pdf

General route map (2.2mb GIF) W-RSimpleMap.gif

W-RDraftSignificanceStatement.pdf

Helpful Links

NPS Revolutionary War home page http://www.nps.gov/revwar/ 

National Trail System home page http://www.ncrc.nps.gov/PROGRAMS/nts/ 

Historical Summary:

French General Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, sailed into Newport in July of 1780 with an army of 5,300 officers and men. After wintering in Newport, Rochambeau’s army marched through Rhode Island and Connecticut, in June and July of 1781, and joined General George Washington’s Continental Army in Philipsburg, New York.

Abandoning the idea of attacking New York, held by the British under General Henry Clinton, they devised instead a southern campaign to attack General Charles Lord Cornwallis in Virginia. In August and September, Washington’s and Rochambeau’s armies marched through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, reaching Williamsburg in late September. Together they attacked and held under siege the British-fortified town of Yorktown. A French fleet under the command of Admiral De Grasse blocked the Chesapeake Bay to either reinforcement from New York or sea escape from Yorktown. On October 19, 1781, after three weeks of siege, General Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington, marking Yorktown as one of the most decisive American victories in the War for Independence.

Shortly afterwards, Washington and the Continentals returned to defend northern posts. Rochambeau and his army wintered in Williamsburg, then marched back in the summer of 1782. While small contingents stayed in different ports and left for France the following year, the bulk of Rochambeau’s army sailed from Boston on Christmas Eve 1782.

In all, nine states formed the route and supported the march, providing ports, roads, camp sites, officers’ lodging, provisions of food and supplies: Rhode Island , Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia.

For additional information contact:

Vicki Sandstead, (617) 223-5224, or Vicki_Sandstead@nps.gov

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