On October 19 , 1881 , an elaborate ceremony took place to honor the battle 's centennial . U.S. naval vessels floated on Chesapeake Bay , and special markers highlighted where Washington and Lafayette 's siege guns were placed . President Chester Arthur , sworn in only thirty days before , following James Garfield 's death , made his first public speech as president . Also present were descendants of Lafayette , Rochambeau , de Grasse , and Steuben . To close the ceremony , Arthur gave an order to salute the British flag
death
Assassination of James A. Garfield
Siege of Yorktown