January 22
January 22
Claudius Smith, “Cowboy of the Ramapos,” hangs
Famed Tory outlaw Claudius Smith meets his end on the gallows on January 22, 1779 in Goshen, New York. In the wake of his death, Patriot civilians hope for relief…
A Year In History: 1779
This Year in History:
1779
Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.
February 14
February 14
Captain Cook killed in Hawaii
On February 14, 1779, Captain James Cook, the great English explorer and navigator, is killed by natives of Hawaii during his third visit to the Pacific island group. In 1768,…
February 14
February 14
Patriots defeat Loyalists at Kettle Creek
A Patriot militia force of 340 led by Colonel Andrew Pickens of South Carolina with Colonel John Dooly and Lieutenant Colonel Elijah Clarke of Georgia defeats a larger force of…
February 25
February 25
British surrender Fort Sackville
On February 25, 1779, Fort Sackville is surrendered, marking the beginning of the end of British domination in America’s western frontier. Eighteen days earlier, George Rogers Clark departed Kaskaskia on…
March 11
March 11
Congress establishes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
On March 11, 1779, Congress establishes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help plan, design and prepare environmental and structural facilities for the U.S. Army. Made up of civilian…
June 1
June 1
Benedict Arnold is court‑martialed
The court‑martial of Benedict Arnold convenes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After a relatively clean record in the early days of the American Revolution, Arnold was charged with 13 counts of misbehavior,…
June 21
June 21
Spain declares war against Great Britain
On June 21, 1779, Spain declares war on Great Britain, creating a de facto alliance with the Americans. Spain’s King Charles III would not consent to a treaty of alliance…
July 16
July 16
Anthony Wayne launches risky attack against British forces
On July 15, 1779, American Brigadier General Anthony Wayne launches a coup de main against British fortifications at Stony Point, New York, on the orders of General George Washington. He…
July 19
July 19
Massachusetts begins ill‑fated Penobscot Expedition
On July 19, 1779, Massachusetts, without consulting either Continental political or military authorities, launches a 4,000‑man naval expedition commanded by Commodore Dudley Saltonstall, Adjutant General Peleg Wadsworth, Brigadier General Solomon…
September 23
September 23
John Paul Jones wins in English waters
During the American Revolution, the U.S. ship Bonhomme Richard, commanded by John Paul Jones, wins a hard‑fought engagement against the British ships of war Serapis and Countess of Scarborough, off…
September 27
September 27
John Adams appointed to negotiate peace terms with British
On September 27, 1779, the Continental Congress appoints John Adams to travel to France as minister plenipotentiary in charge of negotiating treaties of peace and commerce with Great Britain during…
December 1
December 1
George Washington establishes winter quarters at Morristown
General George Washington’s army settles into a second season at Morristown, New Jersey, on December 1, 1779. Washington’s personal circumstances improved dramatically as he moved into the Ford Mansion and…
