The First State

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1787, Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the Constitution.
More Colonial Battles

The Battle of Chestnut Hill, PA

On this day in 1777,

A vanguard of Gen. William Howe's army engages with a Patriot militia force at Chestnut Hill. After heavy firing from both sides, the militia withdraws from The Battle of Chestnut Hill, PA.
More Colonial Battles

Phi Beta Kappa

On this day in 1776,

In Williamsburg, Virginia, a group of five students at the College of William and Mary gather at Raleigh’s Tavern to found a new fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa. Intended to follow strictly American principles as opposed to those of “England or Germany,” the new society engaged in the fervent political debate typical of student life at Thomas Jefferson’s beloved college in Virginia’s capital.
More Colonial Battles

The Battle of Rugeley's Mill, SC.

On this day in 1780,

Col. William Washington's dragoons surround a group of 100 Tory militia holed up in a stone barn. Having no cannon at all, he places a large log atop a cannon carriage and wheels to the barn threatening an attack. All 100 surrender at The Battle of Rugeley's Mill, SC.
More Colonial Battles

Across the Delaware

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1776, Gen. George Washington writes to Congress from his headquarters in Trenton, NJ, to report that he had transported much of the Continental Army’s stores and baggage across the Delaware River to Pennsylvania.
More Colonial Battles

Lydia Darragh

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1777, legend has it that Philadelphia Quaker housewife and nurse Lydia Darragh single-handedly saves the lives of Gen. Washington and his Continental Army when she overhears the British planning a surprise attack on Washington’s army for the following day.
More Colonial Battles

Washington’s army

No major battles occurred on this date.

But in 1779, General George Washington’s army settles into winter quarters at Morristown, NJ.
More Colonial Battles