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Lexington and Concord
Minutemen met British forces in Lexington which resulted in the "shot heard 'round the world." When the British troops then reached Concord they were met by more militiamen who forced the troops to retreat to Boston. This marked the first time Americans had killed British soldiers in combat. -
Fort Ticonderoga
American troops called the Green Mountain Boys led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold defeated British troops at the fort. They then looted the fort for weapons which were helpful in later victories for the Americans. -
Battle of Bunker (Breed's) Hill
Colonial forces occupied the hills just outside Charlestown to defend the area from British troops. On June 17 the British attacked and at the end of the fighting the Americans had retreated to Cambridge. Although the Americans lost the battle, by emerging the battle with less casualties than the British, they proved they could fight effectively. -
Trenton/Princeton Campaign
American troops led by General George Washington crossed the Delaware River which was followed by three American victories. Two at Trenton and one at Princeto, New Jersey which allowed the rebels to reclaim most of New Jersey. -
Second Battle of Saratoga
John Burgoyne led British attacks against the American forces at Bemis Heights. The colonial troops led by Benedict Arnold caused significant casualties for the British while capturing some of the British defenses. -
Siege of Charleston
The Siege at Charleston was led by British General Henry Clinton. The British attacked and won capturing thousands of patriots and numerous weapons. This British victory gave them capture of the city and its harbor which was a good base for British operations in the southern colonies. -
Battle at King's Mountain
British troops under the control of General Ferguson planned to invade North Carolina and Virginia. American troops led by colonel Campbell intended to resist their advance. Eventually, as the Americans caught up with the British forces, they defeated teh British on King's Mountain killing the British leader and hundreds of soldiers along with the capture of hundreds more. -
Battle of Yorktown
George Washington led a campaign which circled the British troops led by General Cornwallis. By the end of the battle Cornwallis surrendered to Washington which ended the war.