The 600-mile route taken by the armies of Gen. George Washington and his French partner in the climactic campaign of the Revolutionary War would become a national historic trail under legislation passed by the House Thursday.
The trail, along existing roads and waterways in eight states from Rhode Island to Virginia, commemorates the 1781 march of Washington's Continental Army and the Expedition Particuliere of French Count Rochambeau that culminated in the surrender of British Gen. Charles Lord Cornwallis to Washington at Yorktown, Va., on Oct. 19 of that year.
The designation allows for historical markers along the route running through Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
It will "help spur a greater understanding of our shared history and will help illuminate the important battle of a young country and its French allies against the rule of King George," said Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y.
The bill's sponsors stressed that private property rights will not be affected by the trail's designation. The National Park Service said no federal acquisition of lands or interests along the route is anticipated.
The bill passed 345-69. A companion measure is pending in the Senate.
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The bill is H.R. 1286
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