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.
Timeline starting in 1773
Boston Tea Party
A mob of colonists, which had been organized by the Sons of Liberty, boarded three ships that were carrying tea owned by the East India Company. They smashed open more than 300 chests of tea and then dumped the tea into Boston Harbor.
Edenton Ladies’ Agreement
Fifty-one women from Edenton, North Carolina signed an agreement boycotting British tea. They called themselves the Edenton Ladies Patriotic Guild, and their action advanced awareness in the colonies for “no taxation without representation.”
The Midnight Ride
Paul Revere’s midnight ride of warning
“One if by land, two if by sea”
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The shot heard round the world
The official beginning of the American Revolution
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.
Birth of the Continental Army
The Second Continental Congress creates the Continental Army to coordinate the colonial military effort against Britain.
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
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 cost in casualties.
Olive Branch Petition
Congress approves the Olive Branch Petition, a final attempt to avoid war with Britain
Birth of USPS
Second Continental Congress appoints Benjamin Franklin Postmaster General, creating the first unified colonial postal system (later the U.S. Post Office).
King George Issues Proclamation of Rebellion
King George III issues the Proclamation of Rebellion, formally declaring the colonies in open revolt and authorizing military measures against them.
Birth of the Continental Navy
Congress authorizes the purchase and arming of the first naval vessels, marking the origin of America’s sea service.
Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation
(Virginia): Royal governor offers freedom to any enslaved person who joins British forces—a measure that both inflames Patriot sentiment and begins large‑scale Black enlistment.
Birth of the Continental Marines
Congress establishes two battalions of Continental Marines to serve aboard naval vessels and conduct amphibious operations.
Battle of Great Bridge
(Virginia): Colonial militia defeat British regulars in the first significant Virginia engagement, driving the Royal governor from the colony.
British Burn Falmouth (Portland), Maine
British burn Falmouth (Portland), Maine, heightening colonial outrage and shifting sentiment toward full independence.
Grand Union Flag
First hoisting of the “Grand Union” (or “Continental”) flag atop Prospect Hill, MA—an early banner uniting the 13 colonies under one standard.
Common Sense Published
Publication of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, arguing for complete separation from Britain.
Evacuation of Boston by British troops
Evacuation of Boston by British troops after Washington’s artillery placement on Dorchester Heights forces their withdrawal.
Abigail Adams Letter
Abigail Adams’ letter to her husband John Adams
“A Government of more Stability is much wanted in this colony, and they are ready to receive it from the Hands of the Congress”…
National Day of Fasting & Prayer
The Continental Congress declared a national day of fasting and prayer, recognizing the need for divine assistance as the American colonies faced the likelihood of war with Britain. This proclamation emphasized the importance of seeking God’s guidance and protection during a critical time in American history.
Declaration of Independence Signed
Congress votes in favor of Richard Henry Lee’s resolution declaring the colonies independent from Britain.
Declaration of Independence Officially Adopted
The Continental Congress formally approves the wording of the Declaration of Independence.
Liberty Day
The Liberty Bell rang from the tower of Independence Hall to summon citizens for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. This event marked a significant moment in American history as it announced the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.
Margaret Cochran Corbin
During the Battle of Fort Washington, Corbin — then a camp follower — “helped load her husband’s cannon; when he was killed, she took his place” and continued firing until she was seriously wounded