Chronology of Events After The Siege
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October 21, 1781 - British and German soldiers begin their journey to prison camps in Winchester, Virginia, Frederick, Maryland and Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
October 24, 1781 - Washington orders the allied fortifications leveled. November 3, 1781 - Washington begins to move the Continental army back to winter quarters at Newburgh, New York. French forces remain in Yorktown, Williamsburg and Gloucester Point over the winter. November 25, 1781 - Word of the defeat reaches London. When informed of the disaster, Prime Minister Lord North exclaims, "Oh God, it is all over." February 28, 1782 - Reflecting popular mood and opinion, Parliament authorizes the King to negotiate an end to the war. March 20, 1782 - A vote of "no confidence" forces Lord North to resign from office. The new government, under Lord Rockingham, opens negotiations with American commissioners in Paris. November 30, 1782 - American and British commissioners agree to terms for peace. September 3, 1783 - The Treaty of Paris is ratified in its final form. The treaty ends the war and establishes American independence. November 25, 1783 - British forces evacuate New York City, their last stronghold in the United States. Compiled and written by Jim Eccleston, July 1993 |
Did You Know?
Thomas Nelson, Jr., is one of Yorktown's most famous residents. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, served as Governor of Virginia in 1781, and commanded the Virginia militia during the 1781 siege of his hometown. His home still bears damage from the bombardment during the siege.