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Declaration of Independence
The Declaration was signed in 1776. It was signed in Philadelphia. The vote was unanimous since New York still needed time to make a decision -
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John Adams
John Adams, leader of the Revolution and 2nd President, was born in Quincy, nominated Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence. He served as a commander of the colonial forces in the American Revolution. -
Battle of Long Island
After British's loss to the rebel forces on gaining Boston, they have their eyes set on the area of New York. Although General Washington have tried valiantly to fight off the British from gaining New York, they have lost Long Island and it became known as the Battle of Long Island. It was America's first major defeat after the Declaration of Independence has been established. -
Marquis de Lafayette
Marquis, a 19-year-old French aristocrat, arrives, in Philadelphia and is assigned as major general in the Continental Army. He served at Brandywine in 1777, as well as Barren Hill, Monmouth and Rhode Island in 1778. -
Articles of Confederation
Congress is made sole authority of the new national government. It wasn't until March 2,1781 that the articles of confederation became the law of the land. -
France signing a treaty
In 1776, Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee were chosen to a diplomatic commission to secure a formal alliance with France. By the time the Battle of Saratoga ended and America was victorious, France became convinced and signed the treaty on February 6,1778 -
Battle of Yorktown
On September 28, 1781, George Washington begins the attack on Yorktown, commanding at least 17,000 French and Continental troops against British General Lord Charles Cornwallis and an army of 9,000 British troops. George completely trapped Cornwallis and Yorktown with his French and Continental army. Cornwallis surrendered to Washington on October 17, 1781.