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The signing of the United States Declaration of Independence occurred primarily on August 2, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in Philadelphia. -
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. -
American Fort Schuyler (Stanwix) survives a three week long siege forcing allied British forces under Barry St. Leger to retreat. Their goal of securing the Mohawk Valley for General Burgoyne fails. American Colonel Peter Gansevoort and the fort's garrison are commended by the Continental Congress for their efforts. -
creation of a minimal federal government while asserting state powers and sovereignty -
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. -
The British take Charleston, S.C., capture a large patriot army, and deal the rebels one of their worst defeats of the war. The Charleston move is part of a broader British strategy to hang on to the southern colonies, at least, now that the war is stalemated in Pennsylvania and New York. -
The 13 colonies fight Great Britain -
A political gathering which recommends a convention to review the inadequacies of the Articles of confederation -
55 delegates from 12 states draft a replacement for the Articles of Confederation -
New Hampshires becomes the 9th state to ratify the constitution making it binding -
Results in the election of the first US president , George Washington -
On October 2, 1789, President Washington sent copies of the 12 amendments adopted by Congress to the states. By December 15, 1791, three-fourths of the states had ratified 10 of these, now known as the “Bill of Rights.”