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In the summer of 1781, thousands of troops crisscrossed the James City County countryside, foraging for food and strategically moving toward Yorktown. Although neither side knew the other's strength, Lafayette saw an opportunity to attack. British troops tore down the fences at Spencer's Ordinary to create an open ground for a "chicanery of action."

Mansfield Spencer's 120-acre farm is partially overlaid by Freedom Park today. Spencer also operated an ordinary, or tavern that served regular meals to travelers, located at the intersection of roads to Jamestown, Williamsburg, and points north. Columns of troops passed along this main thoroughfare.