VA-W205 Revolutionary Campaign of 1781 Mechunk Creek

Marker text: REVOLUTIONARY CAMPAIGN OF 1781 MECHUNK CREEK

After reinforcements from Brig. Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne arrived on 10 June 1781, the Marquis de Lafayette moved south from his camp on the Rapidan River to prevent further raids by Gen. Charles Cornwallis's British troops encamped at Elk Hill. By 13 June, Lafayette had occupied a position along the Mechunk Creek to challenge any British advance toward Charlottesville and Stuanton. Lafayette and his troops reached this position be secretly repairing an abandoned road and were able to travel undetected. Cornwallis and his army left Elk Hill on 15 June marching toward Richmond, and Lafayette followed on a parallel course north of the British.

Department of Historic Resources, 2000