Battle of the Chesapeake

The Battle of the Chesapeake — also called the Battle of the Virginia Capes — was arguably the most strategically important naval battle in American history. Without the French naval victory on September 5, 1781, Cornwallis could have been evacuated or reinforced by sea and Yorktown would never have been possible. French Admiral de Grasse had sailed north from the Caribbean with 28 ships of the line and 3,000 additional troops, arriving in the Chesapeake in late August. British Admiral Graves arrived from New York with 19 ships of the line on September 5 to find de Grasse's fleet at anchor inside the bay.

De Grasse immediately put to sea. The ensuing battle lasted about two hours. Graves attempted to attack the French van as it emerged from the bay in a disorganized line, but the engagement that developed was inconclusive in terms of damage — both fleets suffered roughly equally. For four days the two fleets maneuvered and watched each other. Then a French squadron under de Barras arrived from Newport, bringing the siege artillery Washington needed for Yorktown. De Grasse now had overwhelming numerical advantage.

Graves withdrew to New York for repairs. Cornwallis was trapped. The battle's importance cannot be overstated: a British naval victory on September 5 would have changed everything. Cornwallis could have been supplied or evacuated, Washington's army would have been unable to besiege Yorktown, and the war might have continued for years. Naval historians consistently rank the Battle of the Chesapeake among the most consequential sea battles ever fought.