Revolutionary War
Battle of Brooklyn
The Continental and British Armies engaged in their first fight of the Revolutionary War on August 27, 1776. The Battle of Brooklyn (also known as the Battle of Long Island or the Battle of Brooklyn Heights) was the largest battle of the war.
Ben Franklin Appointed America’s First Postmaster General
On July 26, 1775, former deputy postmaster general of the American colonies, Ben Franklin, was made the first postmaster general of the United States. Benjamin Franklin (1706-90) was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and only attended school until the age of 10. He was an avid reader and quick learner. As a polymath (a person with expertise in a large number of areas), Franklin would eventually become an accomplished author, printer, freemason, scientist, inventor, activist, and statesman.
Liberty Bell Rings for Independence
On July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell was rung to announce the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
British Recapture Fort Ticonderoga
On July 6, 1777, the British ended a five-day siege and re-took Fort Ticonderoga two years after the Americans had captured it.
West Virginia Becomes 35th State
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia joined the Union as the 35th state.
Battle of Bunker Hill
On June 17, 1775, American colonists inflicted heavy British casualties in their loss at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Continental Army Formed
On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army, the precursor of the United States Army.
Happy Birthday, Martha Washington!
America’s first First Lady was born Martha Dandridge on June 2, 1731 (by the Old Style calendar), on her parents’ Chestnut Grove Plantation near Williamsburg, Virginia.
Kentucky Becomes 15th State
On June 1, 1792, Kentucky was admitted as America’s 15th state.