Early America By kendall.briney Aug 3, 1492 Christopher Columbus Arrived He set sail on three boats and had a son named Diego. Jan 17, 1706 Benjamin Franklin was born Ben Franklin was born Period: Apr 19, 1775 to Sep 3, 1783 The Revolutionary War It lasted 8 years and 137 days Oct 19, 1781 Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown cornwallis surrenders to washington