Virginia - Nearby Attractions

Virginia is where the Washington-Rochambeau story reaches its turning point. After months of marching, planning, and coordination, American and French forces moved through Virginia toward Williamsburg and Yorktown, where the campaign came to its final major battle.

In September 1781, General George Washington and General Rochambeau led the allied armies into Virginia. The troops moved toward Williamsburg, where they prepared for the final march to Yorktown. Washington also stopped at Mount Vernon along the way, returning to his home for the first time since leaving for the war in 1775.

By late September, the allied armies had reached the Williamsburg area. From there, they advanced toward Yorktown, where British General Charles Cornwallis and his army were waiting. With help from the French navy, American and French forces surrounded the British army and began the Siege of Yorktown.

On October 19, 1781, Cornwallis surrendered. The victory at Yorktown became one of the most important moments of the American Revolution and helped secure American independence.

After the siege, French forces stayed in Virginia for several months before beginning their return march north in 1782. Today, many places across Virginia help tell this story, from George Washington’s home and family connections to the roads, camps, and communities tied to the march.

Together, these sites help visitors follow the final part of the allied campaign and understand Virginia’s role in the victory at Yorktown.

State and Local Historic Sites

These sites share more of Virginia’s Revolutionary War story, including the communities, homes, and landscapes connected to the allied campaign.

Admiral Comte deGrasse Statue at Cape Henry

Gloucester Courthouse

Gunston Hall

Historic Kenmore

Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area

Mount Vernon

Peyton Randolp House

Rippon Lodge Historic Site

Rosewell Plantation

Washington's Grist Mill

Wren Building

Wythe House

Yorktown Victory Monument

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Museums and cultural institutions across Virginia preserve artifacts, documents, and stories from the Revolutionary War era. These sites help interpret the movement of the allied armies, the role of Virginia communities, and the broader history of the American Revolution.

Colonial Williamsburg

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Jamestown Settlement