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George Washington is born
George Washington is born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He is born to Augustine Washington and Mary Ball. -
George Washington becomes Culpeper County's official surveyor
On this day, Washington became the official surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia. He had worked as an assistant surveryor for about 2 years before this Washington loved this career. This was historically significant because when he grew older, he longed to retire to Mount Vernon and continue his career as a farmer. -
Colonel George Washington defends the wounded General Edward Braddock
The British army was ambushed by Indians using Gorilla Warfare tactics. General Edward Braddock was one of the many wounded by the Indian attack, in the General's absense, Colonel Washington took command of the remaining British soldiers, rallying them up and ultimately escaping. This was historically significant because it was Washington's first expierience commanding an army. -
George Washington marries Martha Dandridge Custis
George Washington gets married to his only wife, Martha Dandrige Curtis (better known as Martha Washington). George proposed to Martha after knowing her for only about 3 weeks, they were both 27. He met her while on leave from the French and Indian War . -
War breaks out
The first shots of the Revolutionary War are fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. The news of the bloodshed rockets along the eastern seaboard, and thousands of volunteers converge on Cambridge, Mass. These are the beginnings of the Continental Army. -
George Washington is elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army
The Second Continental Congress unanimosly voted to make Washington the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. This assignment came not long after Washington joined both the First and Second Continental Congresses. This is historically significant because Washington goes on to lead the Continental Army to victory over the British in the Revolutionary War, which won America it's independence. -
Americans hold their own at the Battle of Bunker Hill
In the first major action of the war, inexperienced colonial soldiers hold off hardened British veterans for more than two hours at Breed's Hill. Although eventually forced to abandon their position, including the high ground of Bunker Hill overlooking Boston, the patriots show that they are not intimidated by the long lines of red-coated infantrymen. Of the 2,200 British seeing action, more than 1,000 end up dead or wounded. -
British form an alliance with patriots' slaves
The British governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, issues a proclamation offering freedom to any slaves of rebellious Americans who are able to enter British lines. Throughout the course of the war, tens of thousands of African Americans will seek their freedom by supporting the British. A smaller number will fight on the patriot (pro-independence) side, despite policies that discourage their enlistment. -
Loyalists defeated at Moores Creek
A force of loyalists (Americans who want to remain British subjects), most of them of Scots descent, is defeated by a patriot army at the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. This setback will largely quiet loyalist activity in the Carolinas for three years. -
South Carolinians repel British attempt to take Charleston
A British invasion force mounts an all-day attack on a patriot force on Sullivan’s Island. The invaders are unable to land their troops on the island, and the tricky waters of Charleston Harbor frustrate the British navy. The fleet retires in defeat, and South Carolina will remain untouched by the enemy for three more years. -
America declares its independence
The Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. Following a decade of agitation over taxes and a year of war, representatives make the break with Britain. King George III isn't willing to let his subjects go without a fight, and loyalist sentiment remains strong in many areas. Americans' primary allegiance is to their states; nationalism will grow slowly. -
Washington crosses the Delaware
In a bold move, Washington moves his troops into New Jersey on Christmas night. The patriots then surprise a force of German troops fighting for Britain at Trenton on December 26. They achieve a similar victory over British troops at Princeton on January 3, reviving hopes that the war just might be winnable. The army then encamps for the winter at Morristown, New Jersey. -
Winter of change for the Continental Army
With the British occupying Philadelphia just 20 miles away, the Continental Army enters winter quarters at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. During the winter, supply arrangements will be improved and the Continental troops will be drilled and emerge as a more disciplined, unified fighting force. -
France enters the war against Britain
As a result of the patriot victory at Saratoga and American diplomatic efforts, France allies itself with the new American government. French financial and military aid will prove critical in winning the war. The Continental Army will learn of the French Alliance in May. -
Loyalists leave America
The evacuation of loyalists begins. Largely unwelcome in the new United States, about 100,000 Americans who remained loyal to the crown find new lives in Britain, Canada, and British colonies in the West Indies. Among them are about 15,000 African Americans, some of whom end up helping to found the country of Sierra Leone in Africa. -
Treaty of Paris officially ends state of war
The Treaty of Paris ratifies the independence of the 13 North American states. Canada remains a British province, beginning its separate development as a U.S. neighbor. Another war with England (1812 - 1815) will be necessary to truly secure the American nation. -
George Washington elected President of Constitutional Convention
George Washington was elected President of the Constitutional Convention by the delegates. This brought Washington out of retirment. The new Constitution called for a president, so almost as soon as it was ratified Washington was unanimously elected president of the country. This was historically significant because the new Constitution solved many problems in the United States government system, most of them caused by the Articles of Confederation. -
George Washington becomes the first President of the United States.
George washington was unanimously elected the first president of the United States by the Electoral College. He took his oath on Federal Hall in New York. This election came after the new Constitution was ratified. Washington was the President of the Constitutional Convention and played a key role in producing the new Constitution. This is historically significant because Washingon was the first U.S. President and set the basis for the position in the future. -
George Washington begins his second term as President of the United States.
On this day George Washington began his second term as president. He was once again unanimously voted in, a huge favorite with the Americans. Washington encountered criticism for the first time This was historically significant because Washington would go on to do more great things for his country in his second term and more importantly, he continued to create history, there was no limit to a President's terms then, so he became the first President to serve 2 terms. -
George Washington publishes his Farewell Address
George Washington refuses a third term as President Thomas Jefferson and John Adams vying to be the 2nd President and publishes his Farwell Address to the people of the United States in the Philadelphia American Daily Advertiser .With this, Washington had announced his retirement. This was historically significant because it marked the end of the marvelous career of George Washington. -
George Washington dies
George Wsahington died in Mount Vernon, Virginia. He died of acute epiglottitis between the hours of ten and eleven on December 14th 1799, at 67. The picture is of Washington on his deathbed, surrounded by doctors and loved ones George's funeral was on December 18th 1799. George's death is historically important because it marked the end of an era. Washington was one of if not the most important man in the history of the United States.