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Lexington & Concord
Gage dispatched 700 soldiers to capture colonial leaders and supplies at Concord. Militiamen confronted the British regulars first at Lexington and then at Concord. -
Second Continental Congress in Philidelphia
Delegates from 13 colonies met shortly after the Revolutionary War began. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
3,000 British troops attacked American fortifications on Breed's hill and Bunker Hill overlooking Boston. -
George Washington - Leader of Continental Army
John Adams nominates George Washington to lead the newly created Continental Army. He resigns as Commander on December 23, 1783. -
Paine's Common Sense
This document challenged the authority of the British government and royal monarchy. -
Virginia Declaration of Rights
This document proclaimed the inherent rights of men, including the right to rebel against "inadequate" government. -
First Virginia Constitution
This was enacted in conjunction with the Declaration of Independence. Virginia was the first state to have its own constitution. -
Declaration Of Independence
Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence and it is sent to the printer. Delegates begin to sign it on August 2. -
Battle of Long Island
Redcoats defeat George Washington's army. Washington's army escapes at night. -
Occupation of New York
The British occupy New York. -
Battle of Harlem Heights
George Washington, Nathanael Greene, and Israel Putnam hold their ground at this battle. -
Battle of Lake Champlain
Benedict Arnold defeated at the battle, but delayed British advance. -
Fort Washnigton Captured
Fort Washington, NY is captured by the Hessians. -
Fort Lee Captured
Lord Cornwallis captures Fort Lee from Nathanael Greene. -
Capture of Trenton
Washington Crosses the Delaware and captures Trenton from Hessians. -
British Retreat at Ridgefield, Connecticut
Benedict Arnold's troops force a British retreat at Ridgefield, Connecticut. -
Treaty of DeWitt's Corner
Cherokees lose most of their land east of the mountains. -
Flag Resolution
The flag of the United States would be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; the union would be thirteen stars, white in a blue field. -
Battle of Brandywine
The British win the Battle of Brandywine, Pennsylvania. -
Paoli Massacre
British forces under the command of Major General Charles Grey led a surprise attack on Wayne's encampment near the Paoli Tavern. -
Battle of Saratoga
Burgoyne surrenders to General Gates -
Valley Forge
Washington's army retires to winter quarters at Vallet Forge. -
French Alliance
The United States and France sign the French Alliance. -
Henry Clinton
British General William Howe is replaced by Henry Clinton. -
Savannah
The Redcoats occupy Savannah. -
Nathanael Greene
Washington names Nathanael Greene commander of the Southern Army. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation are adopted. -
Yorktown
Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown, VA when surrounded on land and sea by Americans and French -
Lord North
Lord North resigns as British prime minister -
Treaty of Paris
The United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris. -
U.S. Constituion Adopted
Although signed on September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution is only adopted when New Hampshire ratified it on this date.
