Two national non-profit organizations are seeking to partner with nearly 200 “Victory Towns” that witnessed the march of thousands of American and French troops to victory at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 to win the decisive battle that led to American independence from Britain.
The National Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association (W3R-US) has created a “Victory Towns” program available to local governments on the 700-mile trail between New England and Virginia.
Letters of invitation were sent to the top elected official in each town on the trail, known as the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route, part of the National Park Service. Participants can also receive scholarly research, educational materials for schools, and access to flags and banners, reenactors and speakers, trail-related merchandise, and more.
“This historic trail is the most urban asset of the National Park Service, passing through both small towns and large cities such as Hartford, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore,” said Lawrence Abell, the National Chairman of W3R-US. “The Victory Towns program provides an opportunity to introduce the story of America’s founding to the 12 million people who live in these towns and to encourage tourism.”
The Victory Towns project was inspired by the knowledge that nearly every American town will want to do something special for the 250th anniversary of the nation in 2026, and that nearly 200 towns have a special opportunity as witness towns on the road to victory at Yorktown. A list of the eligible towns is available on the W3R-US.org website.
“The City of Trenton is delighted to be recognized as a Victory Town on the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail, and we look forward to sharing this chapter of American history with both residents and visitors,” said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “Our heritage is one of our greatest assets, and we believe it can promote tourism and strengthen our local economy.”
The Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail passes through nine east coast states and the District of Columbia. People can determine whether they live in a Victory Town by visiting W3R-US’s website at w3r-us.org/ and clicking on “Trail Map.” They can learn more about the Victory Towns program at w3r-us.org/victory-towns.
About W3R-US
The National Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association (W3R-US) was formed in 1999 to advocate for the creation of a trail to commemorate the march of American and French troops to victory in the American Revolution at Yorktown, VA, which was achieved through legislation in 2009. Today the organization is a private sector 501c3 partner to the Washington Rochambeau National Historic Trail. W3R-US’ mission is to educate the public both about the Washington Rochambeau National Historic Trail, and the Trail’s context within the American Revolution as well as to collaborate with diverse trail communities and partners in stimulating economic development and a fuller, more inclusive realization of America’s founding ideals. To learn more visit w3r-us.org.
