VA-V16 Campaign of 1781

Marker text: CAMPAIGN OF 1781

The roads through Henrico County were important routes for the Revolutionary War campaign of 1781. To avoid British Gen. Charles Cornwallis's troops advancing from Petersburg, the Marquis de Lafayette left Richmond by 27 May and marched northward through Henrico. Cornwallis bivouacked at White Oak Swamp on the 27th, before continuing the pursuit of Lafayette. In mid June, Cornwallis joined Lt. Gen. Banastre Tarleton near Richmond, where they occupied the city by 16 June. The British troops left the city for Williamsburg on the 20th marching east through Henrico County. Lafayette advanced through Henrico County on 22 June in pursuit of Cornwallis.

Department of Historic Resources, 2003