On October 19, 2025, the United States marked the 244th anniversary of General Cornwallis’s surrender at Yorktown, a pivotal event in American history. The occasion commemorates the victory of the Continental Army over British forces in 1781, effectively ending more than six years of conflict during the Revolutionary War.
A presidential message released for the anniversary highlighted the significance of the event and its lasting impact on American independence. "On October 19, 1781, the cause of liberty was immortalized on a riverside Virginia field when the Continental Army wrested victory from the arms of the most powerful empire on the face of the Earth—ending more than 6 years of crushing warfare and concluding the most epic fight for freedom in the history of the world. Today, we honor the sacrifice and invoke the courage of every American giant who secured our independence at the legendary Siege of Yorktown and throughout the Revolutionary War, and we renew our resolve that America will never bend, break, yield, or surrender in the face of tyranny."
The message described how General George Washington led his troops from New York to Virginia to confront British General Charles Cornwallis. It recounted how American and French forces surrounded Cornwallis’s army in Yorktown starting September 28, 1781. The siege intensified with a bombardment beginning October 9 and culminated as Patriot forces closed in by October 14.
The surrender took place on October 19. "At last, on October 19, 1781, history was rewritten as the British issued their formal surrender—ending all military operations in the Revolutionary War and ensuring the righteous cause of American independence for eternity. Following more than half a decade of gruesome combat against the mightiest military force on the planet, the fate of freedom was secured against all odds by a band of farmers, frontiersmen, blacksmiths, and merchants. As French General Marquis de Lafayette famously wrote in the wake of victory: 'Humanity has won its battle, liberty now has a country.'"
Although peace would not be formalized until nearly two years later with the Treaty of Paris, Yorktown marked an effective end to hostilities between Britain and its former colonies.
The presidential message also called for Americans to continue honoring this legacy: "Though war did not formally end until Treaty of Paris was signed nearly 2 years later, on that momentous day in Yorktown American sovereignty won its ultimate triumph. Now—244 years later and as we begin celebrating 250 years of glorious independence—it remains duty every citizen preserve spirit Yorktown keep this hard-won legacy American grit greatness resolve alive generations come. Today we salute heroes who fought for our freedom at Yorktown channel their fortitude honor pledge forge glorious national future inspired by their deeds worthy their sacrifice."
As preparations begin for America’s semiquincentennial celebrations marking 250 years since independence was declared in 1776 (America250), officials emphasize remembering key milestones like Yorktown that shaped national identity.
