American Encampment
1781 Siege of Yorktown
“The American troops encamped in a wood within a mile of the Enemy’s left line – and the French troops encamped on their right.”
Lieutenant William Feltman, Pennsylvania Battalion, September 28, 1781
On September 28, 1781, as General Washington’s army marched within a mile of Yorktown, the various brigades were assigned locations for their camps, hospitals, and artillery parks.
Some of those camps filled these woods as soldiers carried out essential activities for the siege. Washington described in his diary the work done behind the scenes prior to the construction of the First Allied Siege Line:
“Much diligence was used in debarking and transporting the Stores, Cannon, & Ca. from Trebells Landing (distant 6 Miles) on James Rivr. To Camp; which for want of Teams went on heavily and in preparing Fascines, Gabions & ca. for the Siege … ”
Routine tasks, such as guard duty, repairing equipment, setting up tents, and preparing meals, also occupied the soldiers’ days as they prepared for a prolonged siege.
Marker is on Historical Tour Road, on the right when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
