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Shots Fired
The first shots of the Revolutionary War are fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. The news of the this attack rockets along the eastern seaboard, and thousands of volunteers converge on Cambridge, Mass. These are the beginnings of the Continental Army. -
Colonist Hold Their Own at Breed's 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 -
British Alliance
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 side, despite policies that discourage their enlistment. -
British Invasion
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 -
Declaration of 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 finally get the break with Britain.
