Road to Independence

Philadelphia Meeting

1774

55 delegates met in Philadelphia to start a body to represent America called Continental Congress

First Continental Congress meets

Sep 5, 1774

All colonies but Georgia have representatives
voted to send a "statement of grievances"
Voted to Boycott all British Trade
Patrick Henry - Va rep. urged colonists to unite against Britain

Great Britain Sends Troops

Apr 1, 1775

Colonial protest leader Dr. Joseph Warren walked through Boston. Watching for any unusual activity by the British, he saw troops marching out of the city.

British Troops Arrive

Apr 18, 1775

There were British troops spotted marching out of Boston and the sons of liberty were alerted.

The Battle of Lexington and Concord

Apr 19, 1775

Redcoats arrived, outnumbered the minutemen and had a battle.

Fort Ticonderoga

May 10, 1775

Benedict Arnold was captain in the Militia of Connecticut militia and was needed to seize the Connecticut Fort

The Second Continental Congress Meeting

May 10, 1775

George Washington, Patrick Henry, John/Samuel Adams, and Richard Henry Lee met up.

Set Up Posts Across the Harbor From the Bay

Jun 16, 1775

A militia set up posts on Bunker Hill commanded by Colonel William Prescott

The Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 17, 1775

The redcoats were deployed at Breed's Hill and were ordered not to shoot since Bunker Hill was heavily protected.

Moving Towards Independence

Jan 1, 1776

Thomas Pain arrived in the colonies in about 1774

Evacuation Day

Mar 17, 1776

George Washington lead his troops to Boston and British Troops evacuated.

The Second Continental Congress Voted on Resolution

Jul 2, 1776

This was the second Continental Congress voted on Lee's resolution.

Independence Day (4th of July)

Jul 4, 1776

John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence, and changes were made to Jefferson's draft.

Celebration

Jul 9, 1776

George Washington and his troops had the Declaration of Independence read to them.