The trail, along existing roads and waterways in eight states from Rhode Island to Virginia, would commemorate the 1781 march of Washington's Continental Army and the Expedition Particuliere of French Count Rochambeau that culminated in the surrender of British Gen. Charles Lord Cornwallis to Washington at Yorktown, Va., on Oct. 19 of that year.
The designation, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, would allow for historical markers along the route running through Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
Hinchey, D-Hurley, who introduced the bill in March, said the designation "will help spur a greater understanding of our shared history and will help illuminate the important battle of a young country and its French allies against the rule of King George."
The trail will not pass through any of New York's 22nd Congressional District represented by Hinchey, according to the congressman's office. It would, however, pass through Newburgh, in Orange County, where Washington had a headquarters.
The bill's sponsors stressed that private property rights would not be affected by the trail's designation, and the National Park Service said no federal acquisition of lands or interests along the route is anticipated.
The bill passed 345-69. A companion measure is pending in the Senate.
