Historical Information

Online resources

Visit this page to find history that happened 250 years ago on the day of the post 1775- An American Moment.

These Pages 250YearsofLiberty and 250Years America’s Foundings, also have Revolutionary era information.

April 18, 1775

The Midnight Ride

Paul Revere’s midnight ride of warning
“One if by land, two if by sea”

April 18, 1775
April 19, 1775

Battles of Lexington and Concord

The shot heard round the world
The official beginning of the American Revolution

April 19, 1775
May 10, 1775

Second Continental Congress

This date was selected by the First Continental Congress the previous year, intended to be the moment delegates would consider further steps or other necessary actions, but armed conflict had already begun.

May 10, 1775
June 15, 1775

Washington takes control of the army

George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the American army. It would later come to be called the Continental Army

June 15, 1775
June 17, 1775

Battle of Bunker Hill

The first major engagement of the Revolution, the Battle of Bunker Hill, was fought in what is now part of Boston. The British eventually claimed victory but at a heavy casualty cost.

June 17, 1775
July 5, 1775

Olive Branch Petition

Congress approves the Olive Branch Petition, a final attempt to avoid war with Britain

July 5, 1775