Yorktown Day

03/25/2026

A bit late for the actual anniversary, but I just saw this post. It’s easy to forget just how much went in to the events that resulted in the Surrender on October 19, 1781!

On March 14, 1781, 23 year-old Major General Marquis de Lafayette arrived in Yorktown, Virginia, to start a campaign against the British that would culminate in their defeat six months later.

Outnumbered and poorly supplied, Lafayette strove to improve the circumstances and numbers of his troops, often pledging his own funds to secure shoes and clothing for his soldiers. He also adopted a strategy similar to the one General George Washington had used thus far in the American Revolutionary War, that of limited engagement while preserving his forces.

Lafayette’s first objective was to capture the American traitor, Benedict Arnold. Arnold, now a Brigadier General in the British army, had been sent to Virginia in December 1780 to raid military supply bases, gather support from loyalists, and weaken Virginia’s ability to aid Major General Nathanael Greene’s patriot forces in the Carolinas. Washington, intent on bringing Arnold in, sent Lafayette south with 1,200 troops and support from a small French fleet.

source: https://rb.gy/5e5enn

01/26/2026

The Yorktown Day Association has the honor of providing lunch for the Old Guard members who participate in the events on October 19th.

10/17/2025

Unfortunately the Parade has been cancelled due to the Federal Gov shutdown. A combination of many factors were considered including the area of Park Service property no longer available for use for parade set up, reviewing stand and sound tower. Also the loss of military participation. Falling on a Sunday had already seemed to impact participation of some groups.

While this might be one of the shorter parades in length, it has been an amazing tribute to the Military and highlighting many historical organizations. The Patriotic Exercises program, normally held at the Monument, has moved and become a smaller private event.

Mark you calendars now for Oct 19, 2026, when the Colonial Historical National Park is the host organization of the day!

10/07/2025

You may have heard about the Gov shutdown and wondered about its possible impact on Yorktown Day events. We do too. At this point things are up in the air. I hope to post updated information soon, or at least what I know as of now. Stay tuned…..

09/30/2025

Very important reminder! Since October 19th falls on a Sunday this year, we have looked at past years and followed their example by adjusting our schedule so our primary events do not impact Church services. Things could change again if we have a government shut down so watch for more updates.

01/12/2025

As we welcome in 2025 the Yorktown Day Association is working on details of this year’s event. Please take notice that it will fall on a Sunday. As in previous years, the parade and Patriotic Exercises will be moved to the afternoon. Wreath layings and other activities are being reviewed by their host groups. Follow this page or our Yorktown Day webpage for updates.




08/21/2023

As you make your plans for Yorktown Day look for changes at Parkway.

The Colonial Parkway has been around since the 1950s, connecting Yorktown, Williamsburg and Jamestown with a scenic drive.

04/02/2023

You may remember Dr. Robert A Selig has been the keynote speaker at past Yorktown Day commemorations. He will be speaking in Yorktown on Thursday, April 6, 2023. Great chance to hear him again!

This post was taken from an email sent by Jeff Lambert. I was not able to add the application for anyone interested in joining the group, but the program is open to the public, and it should be a wonderful program!

Fellow historians,

Mark your calendar for an evening in the past with our second speaker for the 2023 series.
Thursday April 6th at 6:30PM join us at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (200 Water St, Yorktown) when Dr Robert A. Selig
will be presenting

Of Skulls and Skeletons: Battlefield Clean-Up

With the recent findings at Red Banks, Colonial Williamsburg and Camden this topic will be extremely timely and critical to understanding the remarkable nature of these discoveries.

You are encouraged to bring a friend. (It makes the press gang's job easier.) Seriously, as this is open to the publick, and if you like what we are presenting and wish to support more of these treks into history, we ask you to join us. The presentation is only the start of the benefits. Fellowship and historic tales are quick to ensue.

We look forward to seeing you there and joining us for another wonderful event.

2023 Speakers Series
Feb 2 Dr Iris de Rode - French view of the Yorktown Campaign

Apr 6 Dr Robert Selig - Of Skulls and Skeletons: Battlefield Clean-Up along the W3R Trail

Jun 8 Andy Outten - Brandywine Historic Programs Manager for the Society of the Cincinnati

Aug 3 Owen Lanier - ABT land acquisitions and Youth leadership program

Oct 5 Rob Orrison - Camden Historic Preservation Division Mgr at Prince William County & Co-founder of Emerging Revolutionary War