The name Yorktown comes from the Battle of Yorktown, an American Revolutionary War battle in 1781, where British Lieutenant General Lord Cornwallis surrendered to American and French forces. This battle effectively ended the war.
Five ships have borne the name (listed to the right) since 1840. The most recent is a Ticonderoga class missile cruiser, which is currently awaiting scrapping. The two most famous ships are the World War 2 aircraft carriers, CV-5 and CV-10. Both ships took part in major battles against Japanese forces. CV-10 currently serves as a museum ship at Patriot's Point, Charleston, South Carolina.