Although the last significant battle took place in 1781, the treaty ending tye war was signed in

Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina

On 15 March 1781, the Americans inflicted heavy losses on the British, forcing General Cornwallis to retreat. He then changed his plans, and began his ill-fated invasion of Virginia, resulting in his defeat at Yorktown.

Charles Cornwallis

The British surrendered at Yorktown on 19 October 1781. Although fighting continued for more than a year, the surrender effectively ended British hopes for a victory.