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The Year of 1776
Historical events of 1776 in the U.S. including the signing of the Declaration of Independence. -
First American State Constitution
The assembly of New Hampshire adopted the first American state constitution. The Constitution did not have a Bill of Rights, and it was not submitted to the people of New Hampshire. Picture: The state of New Hamshire -
"Common Sense" is Published
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" was a fifty page pamphlet that was widely read. It attacked King George and the monarchy while providing strong arguments for American independence. He thought that independence would allow America to trade more freely and give colonists the chance to create a better society. Picture: Cover of "Common Sense" -
North Carolina vs. South Carolina
North Carolina's militia defeated South Carolina Loyalists at Moore's Creek, and North Carolina inflicted heavy casualties. Picture: Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge -
American Forces Capture Dorchester Heights
American forces captured Dorchester Heights which overlooked Boston Harbor. Captured British artillery from Fort Ticonderoga was placed on the heights to enforce the seige against the British in Boston. The British evacuated Boston and set sail for Halifax. George Washington then rushed to New York to set up defenses, anticipating the Brtitish to invade New York City. Picture: Battle of Dorchester Heights -
America Shuts Out the British
The Continental Congress declared colonial shipping ports open to all traffic except the British. Congress had already authorized privateer raids on British ships and the disarming of all Americans loyal to England. Picture: British Flag -
North Carolina
The North Carolina assembly was the first to empower its delegates in the Continental Congress to vote for independence from Britain. Picture: The State of North Carolina -
King Louis XVI
The American revolutionaries got the much neeeded foreign support they had been hoping for. King Louis XVI of France commited one million dollars in arms and ammunitions. Spain then also promised support. Picture: Kind Louis XVI -
Local Governments
The Continental Congress allowed each of the 13 colonies to form local (provincial) governments. Picure: 13 colonies (labeled) -
Richard Henry Lee
Richard Henry Lee, a Virgina delegate to the Continental Congreses, presented a formal resolution, calling for America to delclare its independence from Britain. Picture: Richard Henry Lee -
Declaration of Independence Committee
Congress appointed a committee to draft a declaration of independence. The committee members consisted of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Jefferson was chosen by the committtee to preapre the final draft of the declaration. Picture: Men gathered as they write the declaration -
Americans Defend City Against British
In South Carolina, American forces at Fort Moultrie successfully defended Charleston against a British naval attack and caused heavy damage on the fleet. Picture: The city of Charleston, South Carolina -
The Declaration Is Ready
Jefferson's Declaration of Independence was ready and was presented to Congress, with changes made by Adams and Franklin. Picture: Congress Building -
The States Vote
The delegates voted unanimously that the American colonies were free. Picure: Colonial American Flag -
United Sates Declaration of Independence
Congress formally endorsed Jefferson's Declaration and copies are sent to all of the colonies. The colonists had now declared their freedom from Britain. Picture: The Declaration of Independence -
Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell rang out in Philidelphia from the tower of the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall) to call the citizens of Philadelphia together for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, by Colonel John Nixon. Picture: Liberty Bell -
Staten Island
A peace conference is held on Staten Island with British Admiral, Richard Howe, who met with American representavies including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. The conference failed because Howe demanded that the colonists abolish the Declaration of Independence. Picture: Richard Howe -
Battle of Harlem Heights
After evacuating New York City, George Washington's army resisted a Bristish attack during the Battle of Harlem Heights in upper Manhattan. The British suffered nearly 400 casualties (90 killed and 300 wounded). The Americans only had about 100 wounded and 30 killed. Picture: George Washington at the Battle of Harlem Heights -
Nathan Hale
Nathan Hale, an American officer, was executed by the British without trial because he was caught spying on British troops on Long Island. His last words were, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Picture: Nathan Hale Being Executed -
San Francisco
San Francisco was established by Spanish missionaries on the California coast. Mission Dolares (Mission San Francisco de Asis) was founded by Father Francisco. It was the 6th mission in the 21 mission chain in Alta California. Picture: Mission Dolares; Established in 1776 -
Battle of White Plains
After evacuating his main forces from Manhatten, Washington's army suffered heavy casualties in the Battle of White Plains from General Howe's forces. Washington then retreated toward the west. Picture: Map of the Battle -
Washington Crosses the Deleware River
Washington took his troops across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. The next day, concerns over a possible British attack arose, causing the Continental Congress to abandon Philadelphia to protect Baltimore. Picture: Washington Crossing the Delaware -
Christmas and George Washington
On Christmas, George Washington took 2400 of his men and recrossed the Delaware River. Picture: Washington Recrossing the Delaware River -
Washington vs. German Mercenaries
Following the recrossing of the Delaware, Washington conducted a surprise raid on 1500 German mercenaries at Trenton, New Jersey. The German mercenaries surrendered after and hour with almost 1000 taken prisoner by Washington who only suffered six wounded men. Washington reoccupied Trenton and the victory provided a much needed boost to the morale of all American Patriots. Picture: Washington about to make his surprise raid
