Founding Fathers Timeline

  • The Battles of Lexington and Concord

    The Battles of Lexington and Concord
    The British planned to attack American colonists and destroy their ammunition. The colonists learned of this plan and sent Paul Revere and William Dawes on the famous ride to spread the word that "The British are coming!"
  • The Declaration of Independence

    The Declaration of Independence
    The Declaration of Independence was written on July 4th, 1776 but wasn't signed until Aug 2.
  • The Winter at Valley Forge

    The Winter at Valley Forge
    During these times the troops suffered from the cold weather and insufficient supplies of food and clothing.
  • The Treaty of Paris is Signed (September 3, 1783)

    The Treaty of Paris is Signed (September 3, 1783)
    This treaty ended the American Revolution. It granted the U.S. new territory, defined borders, and forced Britain to remove its troops.
  • The Articles of Confederation are Ratified (March 1, 1781)

    The Articles of Confederation are Ratified (March 1, 1781)
    Marylanders were given an incentive to ratify when Virginia exsected to relinquish its western land agreements, and the Maryland legislature ratified the Articles of Confederation
  • The Battle of Yorktown

    The Battle of Yorktown
    Also known as the Seige of Yorktown, it lasted 3 weeks - from September 28 to October 19, 1781. Its American-French victory led to the peace negotiations that ended the war.
  • Presidential Inauguration of George Washington (April 30, 1789)

    Presidential Inauguration of George Washington (April 30, 1789)
    Two months after the start of his first four-year term, George Washington was inaugurated at Federal Hall in New York City. His vice-president, John Adams, had taken his oath six days earlier.
  • The Constitution is Ratified (June 21, 1788)

    The Constitution is Ratified (June 21, 1788)
    The ninth state, New Hampshire, ratified the Constitution marking the document as the main structure of the U.S. government.
  • The Whiskey Rebellion (1791-1794)

    The Whiskey Rebellion (1791-1794)
    A tax on whiskey was passed on March 1, 1791, and was immediately met with anger from Western Pennsylvanians. Over the next three years, a violent rebellion against tax collectors would take place, and Pennsylvania would be declared to be in a state of rebellion. On October 24, 1794, President Washington would march on Pittsburg to deal with rioters and put an end to the rebellion.
  • The Bill of Rights is Ratified (December 15, 1791)

    The Bill of Rights is Ratified (December 15, 1791)
    Written by James Madison, the Bill of Rights highlights civil rights and liberties promised to the American people. On December 15, 1791, Articles 3-12 were approved by three-fourths of U.S. legislatures.
  • Washington’s Farewell Address (September 19, 1796)

    Washington’s Farewell Address (September 19, 1796)
    On September 19, 1796, Washington's Farewell Address was first printed in the Philadelphia Daily American Advertiser. It announced his decision to step down from his position as president.
  • The Death of George Washington

    The Death of George Washington
    On December 14th, 1799, George Washington died from a throat infection. Right before Washington died it started to snow. His last words before he died were "Tis well".
    https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/death/8-facts-about-george-washingtons-death
  • Election Day, 1800

    Election Day, 1800
    Tommis Jefferson and Aaron Brr Tide for presidents after both reserved 73 electoral votes. the design was then left to the House of Representatives who voted Tommis Jefferson as the 3rd president.
  • Marbury vs. Madison

    Marbury vs. Madison
    Marbury vs. Madison established judicial review that gave power to the courts to declare legislative and executive acts unconstitutional.