October 19 in American History

October 19, 1781 — Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown

Trapped between Washington's army and a French fleet, British General Cornwallis surrendered some 8,000 men at Yorktown, Virginia. It was the last major battle of the Revolution — the fighting that had started at Lexington six years earlier effectively ended here, with a British band reportedly playing "The World Turned Upside Down."

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Common Questions About October 19

What happened on October 19 in American history?

In 1781: Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown. Trapped between Washington's army and a French fleet, British General Cornwallis surrendered some 8,000 men at Yorktown, Virginia.

Why is October 19 significant?

Trapped between Washington's army and a French fleet, British General Cornwallis surrendered some 8,000 men at Yorktown, Virginia. It was the last major battle of the Revolution — the fighting that had started at Lexington six years earlier effectively ended here, with a British band reportedly playing "The World Turned Upside Down."

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