September 28 in American History

September 28, 1781 — the Siege of Yorktown begins

Washington's American army and French allies, backed by a French fleet controlling the sea, laid siege to General Cornwallis's British force at Yorktown, Virginia. Trapped with no escape by land or water, Cornwallis would surrender within weeks — the victory that effectively won American independence. The endgame of the Revolution opened here.

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Common Questions

What happened on September 28 in American history?

In 1781: the Siege of Yorktown begins. Washington's American army and French allies, backed by a French fleet controlling the sea, laid siege to General Cornwallis's British force at Yorktown, Virginia.

Why is September 28 significant?

Washington's American army and French allies, backed by a French fleet controlling the sea, laid siege to General Cornwallis's British force at Yorktown, Virginia. Trapped with no escape by land or water, Cornwallis would surrender within weeks — the victory that effectively won American independence. The endgame of the Revolution opened here.

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the Warren Commission reportCongress establishes the U.S. Army