OUR COUNTRY 'TIS OF THEE!

April 19, 1775
The first actual bottles of the American Revolution were fought in Massachusetts at Lexington and Concord.  The Americans were defeated at Lexington, but prevailed at Concord.  The British troops were forced to withdraw, under deadly sniper fire, all the way to quarters in Boston.
May 10, 1775
The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army and named George Washington as its commander.
January 15, 1776
Colonial debate continued on whether to seek outright independence.  Thomas Paine published Common Sense which dramatically maked the case for independence and influenced debate in its favor.
March 17, 1776
Surrounded by American forces, the British army evacuated Boston and withdrew by ship all the way to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
July 4, 1776
The Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and edited by members of the Congress.  The congressional delegates signed the document on August 2.
Semptember 9, 1776
The Continental Congress officially created the name "United States of America."