american history By sunnymike May 1, 1619 american revolution war begins May 1, 1624 french and indian war begins May 1, 1754 virgina royal company May 1, 1775 virgina house first meets May 1, 1778 british general cornwalls surrenders. May 1, 1781 British passes stamp act May 1, 1785 thomas jerfferson writes declaration of independence.