New Animated Map of Yorktown Marks the 245th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War’s Last Major Land Battle

In commemoration of the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown, the climactic and conclusive engagement of the Revolutionary War, the American Battlefield Trust is adding the Siege of Yorktown Animated Map to its lauded digital collection.

As with similar productions created alongside frequent Trust collaborator Wide Awake Films, the animated map blends animated troop movements, narration, reenactment footage and more to create an informative visual spectacle.

“The Patriot victory and Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown are defining moments in not just the history of our nation, but the world,” said Trust President David Duncan. “This animated map will surely help people better understand this momentous battle and inspire them to see this hallowed ground for themselves.”

The Siege of Yorktown came at the end of six years of war, with both the British and Continental armies exhausted. In hostile American territory, the British  held only a few coastal areas; across the Atlantic politicians battled over the unpopular and divisive conflict that had come to span the globe in Parliament. For the Patriots, the long struggle for independence was leading to enormous debt, food shortages and low morale among the soldiers. Both sides desperately sought a definitive victory.

A combined Franco-American force had corned the British at Yorktown, while the French Navy cut off all hope of resupply up Chesapeake Bay. After three weeks of siege — bombardment punctuated by sharper assaults —  British troops surrendered  on October 19, 1781. This last major battle of the American Revolution led to negotiations for peace with the British and the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

With nearly 30 entries to date, the American Battlefield Trust's Animated Map Collection tells the story of America’s defining conflicts through compelling storytelling, state of the art graphics and live action video. From individual battles to campaigns and entire theaters of war — plus the ambitious “America’s Wars,” which provides an overview of 200 years of the nation’s military history — the pieces are suitable for classroom use or viewing by learners of all ages. Earlier this month, Perryville received the animated map treatment on the battle’s 164th anniversary.

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 63,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states, including 49 acres at Yorktown. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.