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Lexington and Concord
April 19, 1775. Militia commanded by Barrett, Buttrick, Robinson. British generals: Colonel Smith, Major Pitcairn and Lord Percy. The militia defeats 700 British soldiers and the surprise victory bolsters their confidence for the war ahead. -
Fort Ticonderoga
Militia commanders: Ethan Allen, Arthur St. Clair, and Benedict Arnold, British commanders: John Burgoyne, William Philips. The strategic importance of this battle is that the uncontested surrender of Ticonderoga caused an uproar in the American public and in its military circles, as Ticonderoga was widely believed to be virtually impregnable, and a vital point of defence -
Bunker (Breed's) Hill
Despite their loss, the inexperienced colonial forces inflicted significant casualties against the enemy, and the battle provided them with an important confidence boost. British commanders: Thomas Gage, William Howe. Militia commanders: William Prescott, Israel Putnam -
Trenton/Princeton (NJ campaign)
Battle of Trenton -1776-12-26. Battle of Princeton 1777-01-03. The victories reasserted American control of much of New Jersey and greatly improved the morale and unity of the colonial army and militias. US commanders: George Washington, Nathanael Greene. British commander: Johann Rall -
Saratoga (Bemis Heights, the second battle)
Sep. 19, 1777- Oct. 7, 1777. The Battles of Saratoga marked the high point of the Saratoga campaign giving a decisive victory to the Americans over the British. American commanders: Horacio Gates, Benedict Arnold. British: John Burgoyne, Simon Fraser, Baron Riedesel -
Siege of Charleston
Worst American defeat of the revolution. Major Genrral Benjamin Lincoln surrendered to Sir Henry Clinton and his army of over ten thousand. American: Major General Benjamin Lincoln. British; Lieutenant General a Sir Henry Clinton -
King's Mountain
Decisive victory for the Patriots British commanding officer Patrick Ferguson killed. American commanding officers: James Johnston, William Campbell, John Sevier. British: Patrick Ferguson, Abraham DePeyster -
Yorktown
Sep. 28, 1781- Oct. 19, 1781. Beginning of peace negotiations, decisive American and French victory. British officers: Lord Cornwallis, Charles O'Hara. American Commanding officers: George Washington, Benjamin Lincoln. French: Comte de Rochambeau