Early Clashes
Known as the "shot heard 'round the world," these Massachusetts battles marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
What are the Battles of Lexington and Concord?
Following the Saratoga victory, Washington's army endured a harsh winter encampment at this location in Pennsylvania.
What is Valley Forge?
The loss of this important fort (named after the 1st president) on the Hudson River in November 1776 resulted in the capture of over 2,800 American soldiers.
What is Fort Washington?
This Virginian was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in 1775.
Who is George Washington?
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson famously both died on this date in 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
What is July 4?
On Christmas night 1776, Washington crossed the icy Delaware River to stage a surprise attack on Hessian mercenaries in this New Jersey town.
What is the Battle of Trenton?
This American victory in 1777 is considered the turning point of the war because it convinced France to officially recognize the United States and provide military aid.
What is the Battle of Saratoga?
In October 1777, Washington attempted and failed to retake this city from British forces, leading to the harsh winter at Valley Forge.
What is Philadelphia?
This Boston silversmith was famous for his midnight ride to warn the colonial militia about the advancing British troops.
Who is Paul Revere?
American colonists used this rallying cry to protest British taxes, which contributed to the outbreak of the American Revolution.
What is "No taxation without representation!"?
Fought on Breed's Hill, this early battle resulted in a costly victory for the British, proving the colonists could hold their own.
What is the Battle of Bunker Hill?
This French aristocrat became a trusted aide to George Washington after witnessing the American cause.
Who is the Marquis de Lafayette?
The ultimate strategic importance of forts and fortifications in the war was highlighted by the earthworks built and used by both sides during this final major battle of the war.
What is the Siege (battle) of Yorktown?
A key figure in the Sons of Liberty and a leading voice against British taxation, this Bostonian organized resistance to British policies.
Who is Samuel Adams?
The "Teddy" bear is said to have been named after this president after he refused to shoot a bear on a hunting trip.
Who is Theodore Roosevelt?
This fort on Lake Champlain was captured by American forces under Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold in a surprise attack in May 1775.
What is Fort Ticonderoga?
During the harsh winter of 1777-1778, Washington's army endured a brutal encampment at this Pennsylvania location.
What is Valley Forge?
This Prussian military officer, brought to Valley Forge by Benjamin Franklin, helped train the Continental Army into a more disciplined fighting force.
Who is Baron von Steuben?
The main author of the Declaration of Independence, he was also a prominent Virginian politician.
Who is the Thomas Jefferson?
This famous bell in Philadelphia, a symbol of freedom, has a spelling error on its inscription.
What is the Liberty Bell?
At the Battle of Bunker Hill, American Colonel William Prescott famously gave this order to his troops to conserve ammunition.
What is "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes?"
This person, a key figure at the Battle of Saratoga, later became infamous for his betrayal of the Continental Army.
Who is Benedict Arnold?
This group of soldiers, led by Ethan Allen, helped Benedict Arnold capture Fort Ticonderoga.
Who are the Green Mountain Boys?
his Founding Father, known as a writer, philosopher, and diplomat, was instrumental in securing the French alliance.
Who is Benjamin Franklin?
This American author of A Christmas Carol once stayed in St. Louis and was so terrified of a train crash he experienced that he avoided train travel for the rest of his life.
Who is Charles Dickens?