Timeline

1776

Few years in U.S. history were more momentous than 1776. The Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence and named the new country the United States of America. As the Revolutionary War raged, General George Washington crossed the Delaware River in a successful surprise attack on British-funded mercenaries. The British hanged 21-year-old spy Nathan Hale. And the first working combat submarine (a one-man vessel called the “Turtle”) attacked a British ship in New York Harbor by attaching a powder keg to its hull.

Jul

04

American Revolution

Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims the independence of the United States of America from Great Britain and its king.

US Independence

The American Declaration of Independence adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia with the future 1st President of the United States of America, George Washington present. Original Artwork: Engraving after a painting by John Trumbull. (Photo by Rischgitz/Getty Images)

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