January 2
January 2
Congress publishes the Tory Act
The Continental Congress publishes the “Tory Act” resolution on January 2, 1776, which describes how colonies should handle those Americans who remain loyal to the British and King George. The…
A Year In History: 1776
This Year in History:
1776
Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.
January 9
January 9
Thomas Paine publishes “Common Sense”
On January 9, 1776, writer Thomas Paine publishes his pamphlet “Common Sense,” setting forth his arguments in favor of American independence. Although little used today, pamphlets were an important medium…
January 25
January 25
First national memorial is ordered by Congress
On January 25, 1776, the Continental Congress authorizes the first national Revolutionary War memorial in honor of Brigadier General Richard Montgomery, who had been killed during an assault on Quebec…
March 2
March 2
The Siege of Boston
In advance of the Continental Army’s occupation of Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts, General George Washington orders American artillery forces to begin bombarding Boston from their positions at Lechmere Point, northwest of…
March 4
March 4
American forces occupy Dorchester Heights
Under the cover of constant bombing from British artillery, Brigadier General John Thomas slips 2,000 troops, cannons and artillery into position at Dorchester Heights, just south of Boston, on March 4, 1776.…
March 6
March 6
New York demands Sandy Hook lighthouse be dismantled
A committee of the New York Provincial Congress instructs Major William Malcolm to dismantle the Sandy Hook lighthouse in the then‑disputed territory of Sandy Hook, now in New Jersey, on…
March 12
March 12
Public Notice urges recognition of ‘humane ladies’
On March 12, 1776, in Baltimore, Maryland, a public notice appears in local papers recognizing the sacrifice of women to the cause of the revolution. The notice urged others to…
March 14
March 14
Alexander Hamilton is named captain of artillery company
On March 14, 1776, Alexander Hamilton receives his commission as captain of a New York artillery company. Throughout the rest of 1776, Captain Hamilton established himself as a great military…
March 17
March 17
British evacuate Boston
On March 17, 1776, British forces are forced to evacuate Boston following General George Washington’s successful placement of fortifications and cannons on Dorchester Heights, which overlooks the city from the…
March 31
March 31
Abigail Adams urges husband to “remember the ladies”
In a letter dated March 31, 1776, Abigail Adams writes to her husband, John Adams, urging him and the other members of the Continental Congress not to forget about the…
April 3
April 3
Congress authorizes privateers to attack British vessels
Because it lacked sufficient funds to build a strong navy, the Continental Congress gives privateers permission to attack any and all British ships on April 3, 1776. In a bill…
April 4
April 4
General George Washington begins march to New York
After the successful siege of Boston, General George Washington begins marching his unpaid soldiers from their headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, toward New York in anticipation of a British invasion, on…
May 4
May 4
Rhode Island becomes first colony to declare independence from England
On May 4, 1776, Rhode Island, the colony founded by the most radical religious dissenters from the Puritans of Massachusetts Bay Colony, becomes the first North American colony to renounce…
June 7
June 7
Lee Resolution presented to Continental Congress
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduces a resolution for independence to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia; John Adams seconds the motion. Lee’s resolution declared: “That these…
June 11
June 11
Congress appoints Committee of Five to draft the Declaration of Independence
On June 11, 1776, the Continental Congress selects Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Roger Sherman of Connecticut and Robert R. Livingston of New…
June 15
June 15
Delaware declares independence
On June 15, 1776, the Assembly of the Lower Counties of Pennsylvania declares itself independent of British and Pennsylvanian authority, thereby creating the state of Delaware. Delaware did not exist…
June 29
June 29
South Carolina’s Edward Rutledge opposes independence
On June 28, 1776, Edward Rutledge, one of South Carolina’s representatives to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, expresses his reluctance to declare independence from Britain in a letter to the…
July 2
July 2
Continental Congress votes for independence from Britain
The Second Continental Congress, assembled in Philadelphia, formally adopts Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for independence from Great Britain. The vote is unanimous, with only New York abstaining. The resolution had…
July 4
July 4
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.…
July 8
July 8
Liberty Bell tolls to announce Declaration of Independence
On July 8, 1776, a 2,000‑pound copper‑and‑tin bell now known as the “Liberty Bell” rings out from the tower of the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, summoning…
