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The Boston Tea Party
342 chests of tea belonging to the British East India Company were thrown from ships into Boston Harbor by American patriots disguised as Mohawk Indians. The Americans were protesting a tax on tea and the perceived monopoly of the East India Company. -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
In this first battle of the American Revolution, Massachusetts colonists defied British authority, outnumbered and outfought the Redcoats, and embarked on a lengthy war to earn their independence. -
Declaration of Independence is Signed
The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was engrossed on parchment and on August 2, 1776, delegates began signing it. -
The Winter at Valley Forge
The winter of 1777-78 was not the coldest nor the worst winter experienced during the war, but regular, freezing and thawing, plus intermittent snowfall and rain, coupled with shortages of provisions, clothing, and shoes, made living conditions extremely difficult. Contrary to popular myth, the Continental soldiers marching into Valley Forge were not downtrodden — just exhausted and ill-supplied. -
The Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown proved to be the decisive engagement of the American Revolution. The British surrender forecast the end of British rule in the colonies and the birth of a new nation—the United States of America. It ended Oct 19, 1781. -
The Constitution is Ratified
Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the United States Constitution is the world's longest-surviving written charter of government. Its first three words are "We The People" -
Presidential Inauguration of George Washington
Although not required by the Constitution, George Washington presented the first Presidential inaugural address. George Washington's inauguration ceremony in New York City was a grand historical event, attended by hundreds. -
Washington’s Farewell Address
President George Washington published his “Farewell Address” to the nation. After two terms in office, Washington decided to retire from public life—clearing the way for the peaceful transfer of power from one President to another. -
The Death of George Washington
George Washington died at his home after a brief illness and after losing about 40 percent of his blood. He said he did not want to be buried in the vault until three days after his death. -
Marbury vs. Madison
President John Adams had issued William Marbury a commission as justice of the peace — but the new Secretary of State, James Madison, refused to deliver it. Marbury then sued to obtain it. With his decision in Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall established the principle of judicial review, an important addition to the system of “checks and balances” created to prevent any one branch of the Federal Government from becoming too powerful.