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Fort Ticonderoga
Fort Ticonderoga served as a key point of access to both Canada and the Hudson River Valley during the French and Indian War. Benedict Arnold joined Ethan Allen in a dawn attack on the fort, surprising and capturing the sleeping British troops.The Battle of Fort Ticonderoga was the first American victory of the Revolutionary War. -
Battle at Lexington and Concord
Happened between British troops and the Minutemen, who had been warned of the attack by Paul Revere. It was said to be "the shot heard around the world". This battle officials started the American Revolution. Soon the British retreated because they were under intense fire. The Americans had won the first battle -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The first major battle. Sir William Howe dislodged William Prescott's forces overlooking Boston. The battle provided the army with an important confidence boost. Even though, commonly referred to as the Battle of Bunker Hill, most of the fighting occurred on Breed’s Hill. -
2nd Continental Congress
The second Congress managed the colonial war effort, and moved towards independence. They adopted the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. They formed after the American Revolution had started -
Common Sense is Published
Common Sense challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. The language that Thomas Paine used spoke to the common people of America. It was also the first work that passionatly argued for independence from Great Britain. -
Declaration of Independence
A five-man committee including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin was tasked with drafting a formal statement of the colonies’ intentions. The Declaration of Independence was not officially recognized until July 4th. Today, July 4th is known as the birth of America's independence. -
Battle of Trenton and Princeton
Washington defeated a group Hessian troops before withdrawing. A week later he returned to Trenton to lure British forces south, then he executed a daring night. He was going to march his men to Princeton. The victories gave American control of most of New Jersey. The victories also motivated the moral and unity of the army and militias. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental congress. The document was considered America's first constitution.The Articles created a loose confederation of states and a weak central government. The present United States Constitution eventually replaced the Articles of Confederation. -
The Winter at Valley Forge
In December, Washington marched his tired, beaten, hungry and sick army to Valley Forge. There were shortages of everything and General George Washington's men were sick and dying. In February, The weather eventually eased up and started to get warmer. -
Battle of Yorktown
Washington had completely encircled General Cornwallis and Yorktown with the forces of Continental and French troops. General Gage was also commissioned as a lieutenant in the 1st New Hampton Regiment. After three weeks of bombardment, Cornwallis surrendered to Washington. This effectively ended the War for Independence. -
Treaty of Paris
The treaty was negotiated between the United States and Great Britain's Prime Minister, Lord North.It ended the revolutionary war and recognized American independence. The Continental Congress commissioned five-members to negotiate a treaty. Baron Von Steuben did not sign the document, but Ben Franklin introduced him to Washington after he (Steuben) was endorsed for service by the French Minister of War.
