Cornwallis' Cave
Location submitted by: sdonley on 07/03/2025
DBA Approved: Y
Larger Map
624 Water St
Yorktown, VA 23690
Open to the public: Yes
https://www.virginia.org/listing/co...
Lat: 37.239172
Lon: -76.511465
PANICd#: 2206
Publication date: 07/08/2025
Cornwallis’ Cave in Yorktown, Virginia, is a mysterious and legendary site closely tied to the final days of the American Revolutionary War.
Database Summary:
Demographic Rank: 0
History: 1
Stories: 1
Claims: 9
Evidence: 0
Resources: 4
Retrievals: 1107
Vistor Rating: 0.0
Votes: 0
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History
History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.
Cornwallis’ Cave in Yorktown, Virginia, is a mysterious and legendary site closely tied to the final days of the American Revolutionary War. Though surrounded by myth, the cave is named after British General Charles Cornwallis, who famously surrendered to General George Washington in 1781, signaling the end of major hostilities in the war. The cave is carved into a rocky bluff near the York River and has long been rumored to be the place where Cornwallis sought shelter during the intense siege of Yorktown by American and French forces.
Despite its enduring legend, there is little historical evidence to confirm that Cornwallis actually used the cave during the siege. Most historians believe he stayed in a well-fortified home in Yorktown, coordinating his troops from a more secure location. Still, the image of a desperate British general hiding in a dark cave as the siege tightened around him captured the imagination of locals and storytellers for generations. Over time, the tale became part of local folklore and Revolutionary War lore.
Today, Cornwallis’ Cave stands as a popular landmark within Colonial National Historical Park. Visitors can view the cave from behind protective fencing and read interpretive signs explaining both the historical and mythical significance of the site. Whether or not Cornwallis ever stepped foot inside it, the cave serves as a symbol of British defeat and American triumph, adding a touch of mystery and drama to the historical landscape of Yorktown.
Added by: sdonley on 07/08/2025
DB#:758
Source(s):
Various
Stories & Folklore
Stories & Folklore are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location and passed down from generation to generation. This section could also contain research notes as well.
Cornwallis’ Cave in Yorktown has long been shrouded in mystery, not only because of its Revolutionary War legend but also due to eerie tales of paranormal activity reported over the years. Visitors often describe an overwhelming sense of unease as they approach the cave, even though it is sealed off to the public. Many have claimed to hear whispers, phantom footsteps, and muffled voices coming from within, as if spirits of long-passed soldiers are still trapped inside, reliving the final days of the siege.
Some ghostly sightings include the apparition of a British officer in full uniform, believed by some to be the restless spirit of Cornwallis himself or one of his men. This figure has reportedly been seen standing near the cave entrance before vanishing into thin air. At night, locals have described strange lights flickering around the cave and unexplained cold spots that seem to defy the surrounding environment. Paranormal investigators have visited the site with EMF detectors and voice recorders, capturing unusual readings and chilling audio anomalies.
Despite the cave being off-limits, it continues to draw curious ghost hunters and history buffs who are drawn to its dark aura. Its secluded location near the river and its deep connection to the Revolutionary War make it an ideal setting for stories of lingering spirits and residual energy. While skeptics may dismiss the claims, the cave remains a focal point for Yorktown’s haunted history and a symbol of the past refusing to rest.
Added by: sdonley on 07/08/2025 DB#: 1718
Source(s):
Various
Paranormal Claims
Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, please contact PANICd.com, and we will review and add your information.
| Claim # | Added | Added By | Claim |
| 3843 | 07/08/2025 | sdonley | People have reported an overwhelming sense of unease. |
| 3844 | 07/08/2025 | sdonley | Whispers have been reported. |
| 3845 | 07/08/2025 | sdonley | Footsteps have been reported. |
| 3846 | 07/08/2025 | sdonley | Muffled voices have come from inside the cave. |
| 3847 | 07/08/2025 | sdonley | Sightings of British soldiers have been reported. |
| 3848 | 07/08/2025 | sdonley | Strange lights have been reported around the cave. |
| 3849 | 07/08/2025 | sdonley | Unexplained cold spots have been reported. |
| 3850 | 07/08/2025 | sdonley | EVPs have been recorded. |
| 3851 | 07/08/2025 | sdonley | Strange EMF readings have been recorded. |
Additional Resources
This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.
| Cornwallis’ Cave - Atlas Obscura
Added: 07/08/2025 By: sdonley |
A small cave with a larger-than-life legend. |
| Cornwallis' Cave - Virginia Sportsman
Added: 07/08/2025 By: sdonley |
Take a journey to historic natural landmark, Cornwallis' Cave, where General Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington. |
| Make Your Own History in Yorktown | York County Tourism, VA
Added: 07/08/2025 By: sdonley |
Information about the cave. |
| The Legend of Cornwallis Cave
Added: 07/08/2025 By: sdonley |
Virginia Speleological Survey (VSS) - a non-profit volunteer organization that collects and maintains information concerning the caves and karst resources in Virginia |
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