Important Dates in U.S. History by Alex Fish By alexfish4413 May 4, 1607 The first settlers come to Jamestown, VA 1676 Bacon's Rebellion 1769 Benjamin Franklin led the Philadelphia committee to regulate waste levels and water pollution Jul 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence Signed Dec 7, 1787 Delaware Day The day Delaware became the first US state Apr 30, 1789 George Washington becomes president Jun 12, 1812 War of 1812 starts 1854 Walden by Henry David Thoreau is published. Nov 19, 1863 Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address May 10, 1869 Transcontinental Railroad Built Dec 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor Day Sep 11, 2001 9/11 attacks