This song captures the events that occurred during the Battle of Yorktown, the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. These events are covered in Chernow’s biography on pages 160-165.

Washington chose to concentrate his forces at Williamsburg. Once there, they joined with Lafayette’s forces who had been shadowing Cornwallis' movements. With the army assembled, Washington and Rochambeau began the march to Yorktown on September 28. Arriving outside the town later that day, the two commanders deployed their forces with the Americans on the right and the French on the left.

For three days, the Continental/French armies pounded the British lines around the clock. On the night of October 11, Washington’s men began work on a siege trench, just 250 yards from the British lines. Progress on this work could not continue due to British fortifications, Redoubts #9 and #10, which prevented the line from reaching the river. Assault on Redoubt #10 was assigned to our hero, Alexander Hamilton.

Washington’s tactics, as well as the actions of Hamilton, Lafayette, and Laurens, led to a full surrender by British Lt. General, Lord Cornwallis. The title refers to the song played by British bands as they marched out of town following Cornwallis' surrender.

Here is a photo of a plaque on the site: