General Washington and his Troops arrive at Valley Forge
The images are heartrending, dramatic and so powerful that they are embedded in the nation’s historical consciousness: Bloody footprints in the snow left by bootless …
1777
Quakeress and Ardent Patriot, Lydia Darragh, Risked her Life to Warn Washington of Secret British Plans for a Surprise Attack.”
Lydia Darragh was a Quaker woman who crossed enemy lines during the British occupation of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her mission was to pass information to General George …
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation, passed by the US Continental Congress on November 15, 1777, was enacted on March 1, 1781 as the founding constitution of …
The Continental Congress made a National Thanksgiving Day Proclamation
As printed in the Journals of Congress below… IN CONGRESS – November 1, 1777 Forasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all men to …
Thomas Paine: “THOSE who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, …undergo the fatigues of supporting it”
THOSE who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it. The event of yesterday was one of …
Congress Proposes Purchase of 20,000 Bibles
In colonial America, Bibles had to be imported from Britain, as the British government strictly regulated the printing of religious materials. It was illegal to …
The Stars and Stripes are Born with the Passing of the Flag Act on June 14, 1777
In the United States, Flag Day is observed on June 14, which commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States by a resolution …
Sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington Rides 40 Miles Waking up Patriots with the Urgent Warning that the British were Fast Approaching
Sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington rode 40 miles through Putnam and Dutchess Counties waking up patriots to join the militia, led by her father, Colonel Henry Ludington, …
John Adams: “Posterity! You Will Never Know, How Much it Cost the Present Generation, to Preserve Your Freedom! I Hope You Will Make a Good Use of It.”
Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, Saturday Evening 26 April 1777 I have been lately more remiss, than usual in Writing to you. There has …
George Washington Inspires a Tired and Defeated Army to Continue the Fight for Liberty
George Washington faced a grim moment January 1, 1777. All enlistments for the Continental Army had expired on that date and all of the army, …