Pdye By bailey.lyle5 Apr 1, 1775 Battle of Lexington and concord. May 1, 1775 The second continental congress meets. Jun 1, 1775 George Washington named commander of continental army. Jan 1, 1776 Thomas Paine publishes common sense. Jul 1, 1776 Declaration of Independence adopted. Oct 1, 1777 continentals defeat British at Saratoga. Dec 1, 1777 Continental army camps at valley forge for the winter. Mar 1, 1781 Articles of confederation adopted. Sep 1, 1783 Treaty of Paris signed.