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The Battle of Bunker Hill
A militia commanded by Colonel William Prescott set up posts on Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill, across the harbor from Boston. Even though the British won, they suffered heavy losses of over 1,000 dead. -
First Continental Congress
All colonies but Georgia have representatives Voted to send a "statement of grievances" Voted to Boycott all British Trade Patrick Henry - VA rep. urged colonists to unite against Britain -
Great Britain Sends Troops
Several thousand British troops were in and around Boston, with more on the way. British general Thomas Gage had orders to seize the weapons from the Massachusetts militia and arrest the leaders. -
The War Heats Up
Washington reached the Boston area a few weeks after the Battle of Bunker Hill. The British held Boston, but Patriot militia ringed the city. -
The British on the move
Dr. Joseph Warren walked through Boston and saw troops marching out of the city. Warren alerted Paul Revere and William Dawes, members of the Sons of Liberty. Revere and Dawes rode to Lexington, a town east of Concord, to spread the word that the British were coming. -
More Military Action
Benedict Arnold, a captain in the Connecticut milita, raised a force of 400 men and joined forces with the so-called Green Mountain Boys, Together, they took the British by surprise and Fort Ticonderoga surrendered. -
Distinguished Leaders
The second Continental Congress meets. The delegates included some of the greatest leaders in the colonies. Among them were John and Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, and George Washington-all delegates to the First Continental Congress. -
Declaring Independence
Virginia's Richard Henry Lee offered a bold resolution that the United Colonies have the right to be free and independent. -
The Siege of Boston
When Washington placed troops on Dorchester Heights, British forces left Boston. -
Washington Attacks
Washington believed his army was ready to fight. Under the cover of darkness, he moved soldiers and cannons into position overlooking Boston. The move surprised the British and the British General William Howe commanded his soldiers to board ships and withdraw form Boston. -
Continental Congress Votes
The Second Continental Congress voted on Lee's resolution for independence. Twelve colonies voted for independence. New York did not vote but later announced its support. -
The Declaration of Independence
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America, Preamble, Declaration of Natural Rights, and the List of Grievances. -
Writing the Declaration
Copies of the Declaration of Independence were printed and sent out to people in the newly declared states. George Washington had the Declaration read to his troops in New York City. -
British Retreats
Washington led his jubilant troops into the city. They watched as the British troops sailed away to Halifax, Nova Scotia, a part of Canada.