Founding Fathers

  • The Boston Tea Party

    The Boston Tea Party
    The Boston Tea Party was a protest by American colonists who were mad because of the taxation without representation by Britain. So they threw barrels of tea into the Boston harbor.
  • The Battles of Lexington and Concord

    The Battles of Lexington and Concord
    The Battles of Lexington and Concord was the first major military campaign of the American Revolutionary War, resulting in an American victory and outpouring of militia support for the anti-British cause.
  • The Declaration of Independence is Signed

    The Declaration of Independence is Signed
    The signing of the United States Declaration of Independence occurred primarily on August 2, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in Philadelphia.
  • The Winter at Valley Forge

    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.
  • Articles of Confederation are Ratified

    Articles of Confederation are Ratified
    The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777. This document served as the United States' first constitution. It was in force from March 1, 1781, until 1789 when the present-day Constitution went into effect.
  • The Battle of Yorktown

    The Battle of Yorktown
    The siege of Yorktown was the last major land battle of the American Revolutionary War in North America, and led to the surrender of General Cornwallis and the capture of both him and his army. The Continental Army's victory at Yorktown prompted the British government to negotiate an end to the conflict.
  • The Constitution is Ratified

    The Constitution is Ratified
    The United States Constitution ratified in 1788 and in operation since 1789, is the world's longest-surviving written charter of government. Its first three words—“We the People”—affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens.
  • Presidential Inauguration of George Washington

    Presidential Inauguration of George Washington
    The first inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States was held on Thursday, April 30, 1789, on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City. The inauguration was held nearly two months after the beginning of the first four-year term of George Washington as president.
  • Washington’s Farewell Address

    Washington’s Farewell Address
    Washington's Farewell Address is a letter written by President George Washington as a valedictory to "friends and fellow-citizens" after 20 years of public service to the United States. He wrote it near the end of the second term of his presidency before retiring to his home at Mount Vernon in Virginia.
  • The Death of George Washington

    The Death of George Washington
    On the evening of December 14, 1799, at Mount Vernon, George Washington passed away do to a throat infection.
  • Election Day, 1800

    Election Day, 1800
    It was held from Friday, October 31 to Wednesday, December 3, 1800. In what is sometimes called the "Revolution of 1800", the Democratic-Republican Party candidate, Vice President Thomas Jefferson, defeated the Federalist Party candidate and incumbent, President John Adams.
  • Marbury vs. Madison

    Marbury vs. Madison
    Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137 (1803), was a landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that established the principle of judicial review, meaning that American courts have the power to strike down laws and statutes they find to violate the Constitution of the United States.