What was the last major land engagement of the American Revolutionary War?

The Siege of Yorktown was the last major land engagement of the American Revolutionary War.

The siege took place in Virginia from September 28 to October 19, 1781. American forces led by George Washington joined French troops commanded by the Comte de Rochambeau, while the French fleet helped prevent British relief by sea. Together, the allied forces surrounded the British army commanded by Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis.

The British position deteriorated after the allies captured key redoubts and brought their artillery close to Yorktown’s defenses. Cornwallis surrendered on October 19, 1781. The victory did not instantly end every military action, but it made a negotiated settlement increasingly likely and led to peace talks.

The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, formally ending the war and recognizing American independence. Yorktown is sometimes called the Battle of Yorktown or the surrender at Yorktown. It should not be confused with Saratoga, a major American victory in 1777 that helped bring France into the war as an American ally.