1775
Departed Mount Vernon
George Washington climbed into his chariot and departed Mount Vernon, bound for Philadelphia. He was on his way to attend the Second Continental Congress, convening just a month after the Revolution’s first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. Washington was a respected Virginian planter, former militia commander, and member of the House of Burgesses—but he was not yet the military leader of a rebellion.
Washington had no way of knowing, on that warm spring morning, that he would not see his beloved Mount Vernon again for more than six years.
Appointed Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army
Attending the Second Continental Congress in military uniform, George Washington was appointed as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army by his fellow congressmen.
Washington Takes Command at Cambridge, Massachusetts
After his appointment as Commander-in-Chief in Philadelphia, Washington traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts to take command of the newly formed Continental Army positioned around Boston.
1776
The Bombardment of Boston Begins
With the arrival of heavy guns from Fort Ticonderoga, Washington made the bold decision to place these artillery pieces upon Dorchester Heights. From this lofty position Washington could target the British ships in Boston harbor. British attempts to deny the American's this position failed and the British forces departed Boston on March 17, 1776.
Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress had voted for independence on July 2, 1776. Two days later, on July 4, a declaration explaining the reasons for independence, largely written by Thomas Jefferson, had also been adopted.
Washington received official notification when a letter dated July 6 arrived from John Hancock, the president of the Continental Congress, along with a copy of the declaration.
Washington Reads the Declaration of Independence
By order of the Congress, John Hancock directed Washington to have the Declaration of Independence “proclaimed at the Head of the Army” in whatever manner Washington thought “most proper.” Washington ordered the brigades in New York to assemble at six o’clock that evening where one person per brigade read aloud the Declaration for the first time. Washington hoped that hearing the Declaration of Independence read aloud would “serve as a fresh incentive to every officer, and soldier, to act with Fidelity and Courage, as knowing that now the peace and safety of his Country depends (under God) solely on the success of our arms.”
Author Nathaniel Philbrick on Congress during the Revolutionary Era
The Battle of Long Island
A British amphibious assault upon the American positions atop Brooklyn Heights led to a signal British victory. Facing the prospect of a total defeat, Washington was able to save his remaining forces by shuttling them across the East River to Manhattan.
The Battle of White Plains
William Howe's regulars attacked and defeated Washington's Continental Army at White Plains as part of the 1776 New York Campaign.
The Battle of Trenton
After crossing the icy Delaware River on Christmas Day 1776, Washington led his forces in an attack upon the Hessian garrison at Trenton, New Jersey. Washington's lightning attack surprised the Hessians and led to the capture of almost two-thirds of the 1,500 man force - at the cost of zero American combat casualties. This victory greatly bolstered the sagging morale of the Continental Army.
The Winter Patriots
Facing one of the darkest moments of the Revolution, Washington was forced to deal with not only the enemy to his front, but also the host of issues within his own ranks. After crossing over the Delaware River on Christmas Day, Washington’s Continentals swiftly defeat three different armies at three different battlefields around Trenton and Princeton. Washington’s lightning campaign, coupled with timely guerilla actions, completely unhinged the British position, forcing their precipitous retreat back towards New York.
1777
The Battle of Princeton
Continental Army soldiers under the command of General George Washington defeated a force of British troops near Princeton, New Jersey. The action was part of a larger campaign to regain momentum following a string of defeats in the New York City area throughout the summer and fall of 1776.
With the main Continental Army able to threaten major British supply lines following the Battle of Princeton, Crown forces pulled back to more defensible positions near the Hudson River freeing much of New Jersey from British occupation.
Author Rick Atkinson discusses whether the battles of Second Trenton and Princeton mattered
The Battle of Brandywine
George Washington and the Continental Army are defeated by General Howe's force marching north. Howe was able to successfully flank the American forces holding positions across the Brandywine Creek near Chadds Ford.
The Brandywine Campaign of 1777: An Interview with Michael Harris
Mount Vernon had the opportunity to speak with Michael Harris, author of the new book, Brandywine: A Military History of the Battle that Lost Philadelphia but Saved America, September 11, 1777. Michael shares his views about the Brandywine Campaign and its importance to the American Revolution.
Brandywine Quickstep, Performed by The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
The Battle of Germantown
Despite losing yet another battle to Gen. William Howe, Washington and his French allies were impressed with the vigor and determination shown by the Americans at the Battle of Germantown.
The Revolutionary War
Learn more about how General George Washington led the American army to victory in the Revolutionary War.
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