The Battle of Yorktown:
Where a Nation's Fate Was Decided
October 19, 1781
Yorktown: Where the World Turned
Under a smoky Virginia sky, surrender was offered, not by Cornwallis, but by his subordinate. In a final act of symbolic justice — as shown above — swords changed hands between men chosen to send a message. The world's fate shifted: not only for America, but for every nation that followed.
"The loss of Yorktown, with the army, is a heavy blow—it is a most humiliating event."
— Sir Henry Clinton, British Commander
"The revolution is complete. The United States are free and independent."
— Marquis de Lafayette, French Major General
October 18-20, 2025
Yorktown Was Not Just the Last Battle
It was the breaking of empires and the birth of nations.
You know the legend — Washington victorious, Cornwallis defeated.
But do you know why Cornwallis refused to show? Why the British sword was handed to General O'Hara, then to America's forgotten hero Benjamin Lincoln?
Or why the path to Yorktown was blazed, not by regulars, but by militias and foreign fleets — and how its shockwaves still define the fate of 195 sovereign nations today?
Don't settle for another myth.
Click here for the real backstory
⚔️ Battle History
Discover the pivotal battle that changed the course of the American Revolution. Learn how frontier militia defeated British forces and sparked the chain of events leading to Yorktown and American independence.
📡 K4Y QSL Cards
Commemorate your contact with our beautiful K4Y QSL cards featuring the The Surrender at Yorktown. Available as both donor and free options to celebrate this historic anniversary.
CHASING CORNWALLIS CHALLENGE
Six Epic Battles • One Historic Journey • Your Victory Certificate Awaits
Join the Chasing Cornwallis Challenge and become part of a living legacy that honors the pivotal battles of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, the deterministic battles that shaped America's destiny. As you make on-air contacts and connect with thousands of operators across the country, you're not just making contacts, you're stepping into history, celebrating the spirit of freedom and unity that made America possible.
This October, join with fellow Amateur Radio operators to commemorate the The Surrender at Yorktown with K4Y, a special event that unites our country in remembrance and reverence. By making contacts at just five of our six annual events, you will proudly earn the year-end Certificate shown below to proudly display in your Shack, a symbol of your dedication, skill, and connection to the Men and Women who won America.
Don't just listen, be part of the story. Join the Chasing Cornwallis Challenge, earn your Certificate, and consider stepping up as a Net Control Operator. Together, let's rally to "Signal the American Spirit."
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