French American Revolutionary War Memorial
Historical marker location:1765: The Stamp Act is passed by the British Parliament, imposing a tax on American colonists for various printed materials. This sparks widespread protests and resistance among the colonists.
1770: The Boston Massacre occurs when British soldiers fire on a crowd of American colonists in Boston, resulting in the death of five colonists. The event further escalates tensions between the colonists and British authorities.
1773: The Boston Tea Party takes place as colonists, disguised as Native Americans, dump tea from British East India Company ships into Boston Harbor in protest against the Tea Act.
1774: The First Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies gather to discuss grievances against British policies and plan a united response.
1775: The Battles of Lexington and Concord mark the beginning of armed conflict between British troops and American colonial militia. The "shot heard 'round the world" ignites the Revolutionary War.
1776: On July 4, the Second Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson. The document asserts the colonies' independence from Britain and outlines the principles of individual rights and self-government.
1777: The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in New York proves to be a turning point in the war. It convinces the French to openly support the American cause and enter the war as allies.
1778: The Treaty of Alliance is signed between the United States and France, formalizing their military alliance. France provides crucial support to the American forces, including troops, naval assistance, and financial aid.
1781: The Siege of Yorktown takes place in Virginia, where combined American and French forces, led by General George Washington and French General Rochambeau, successfully trap British General Cornwallis and his troops. Cornwallis surrenders on October 19, effectively ending major hostilities in the Revolutionary War.
1783: The Treaty of Paris is signed, formally ending the American Revolutionary War. Great Britain recognizes the independence of the United States and establishes its boundaries. The treaty also grants fishing rights to American fishermen in the waters off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
1787: The Constitutional Convention convenes in Philadelphia to draft a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation, which proved ineffective in governing the newly independent nation.
1788: The United States Constitution is ratified by the required number of states and goes into effect. It establishes a strong federal government with separate branches and a system of checks and balances.
1789: George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States, and the new federal government is established in New York City.
This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the American Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous other battles, diplomatic negotiations, and developments that occurred during this period.
The first African American governor in the United States, L. Douglas Wilder, was elected in Virginia in 1989.
In the early 17th century, the Virginia Company established several settlements in the region, including Charles City, which eventually became York County in 1634. The county was named after James Stuart, Duke of York and Albany, who later became King James II. The area developed a thriving agriculture-based economy, with tobacco as the primary export crop in the 17th and 18th centuries.
During the American Revolution, Yorktown became the scene of the decisive 1781 Battle of Yorktown. The American and French armies, led by General George Washington and General Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau respectively, laid siege to the British forces commanded by General Charles Cornwallis. After a 21-day standoff, Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending the war and paving the way for American independence.
In the years following the Revolution, York County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of the Yorktown and Back River bridges in the early 20th century improved transportation to the area, leading to increased tourism and commerce. Today, York County is a thriving community known for its historical significance, scenic beauty, and strong military presence. It continues to honor its past while embracing a vibrant future.
York County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of York County, Virginia.
- 1607 - English colonists establish Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, in what is now York County.
- 1622 - Native American uprising known as the Powhatan Uprising occurs, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of settlers in York County.
- 1634 - Virginia is divided into eight shires, with York County being one of the original shires.
- 1691 - York County becomes part of the newly formed Royal Colony of Virginia.
- 1781 - American Revolutionary War battle, known as the Battle of Yorktown, takes place in York County, leading to surrender of British forces and end of the war.
- 1861-1865 - York County experiences significant impact during the American Civil War, with Union and Confederate forces occupying the area multiple times.
- 1908 - Construction of the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station begins, a major military installation in York County.
- 1930s - Colonial National Historical Park is established, including historic sites in York County such as Yorktown Battlefield.
- 1970s - York County experiences rapid suburban growth and development, with new residential and commercial areas being established.
- Present - York County continues to be a thriving community in Virginia, known for its historical significance and quality of life.