American Revolutionary War Memorial
Historical marker location:1765: The Stamp Act is passed by the British Parliament, imposing a tax on American colonists for various printed materials. This sparks widespread protests and resistance among the colonists.
1770: The Boston Massacre occurs when British soldiers fire on a crowd of American colonists in Boston, resulting in the death of five colonists. The event further escalates tensions between the colonists and British authorities.
1773: The Boston Tea Party takes place as colonists, disguised as Native Americans, dump tea from British East India Company ships into Boston Harbor in protest against the Tea Act.
1774: The First Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies gather to discuss grievances against British policies and plan a united response.
1775: The Battles of Lexington and Concord mark the beginning of armed conflict between British troops and American colonial militia. The "shot heard 'round the world" ignites the Revolutionary War.
1776: On July 4, the Second Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson. The document asserts the colonies' independence from Britain and outlines the principles of individual rights and self-government.
1777: The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in New York proves to be a turning point in the war. It convinces the French to openly support the American cause and enter the war as allies.
1778: The Treaty of Alliance is signed between the United States and France, formalizing their military alliance. France provides crucial support to the American forces, including troops, naval assistance, and financial aid.
1781: The Siege of Yorktown takes place in Virginia, where combined American and French forces, led by General George Washington and French General Rochambeau, successfully trap British General Cornwallis and his troops. Cornwallis surrenders on October 19, effectively ending major hostilities in the Revolutionary War.
1783: The Treaty of Paris is signed, formally ending the American Revolutionary War. Great Britain recognizes the independence of the United States and establishes its boundaries. The treaty also grants fishing rights to American fishermen in the waters off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
1787: The Constitutional Convention convenes in Philadelphia to draft a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation, which proved ineffective in governing the newly independent nation.
1788: The United States Constitution is ratified by the required number of states and goes into effect. It establishes a strong federal government with separate branches and a system of checks and balances.
1789: George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States, and the new federal government is established in New York City.
This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the American Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous other battles, diplomatic negotiations, and developments that occurred during this period.
In 1777, the Battle of Saratoga took place in upstate New York and is considered a turning point in the American Revolution. It was the first major American victory and led to France recognizing the United States as a sovereign nation and entering the war as an ally.
In the late 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile soil and the potential for trade along the river. In 1808, Monroe County was officially established and named after President James Monroe. The early years were marked by agricultural development, with farms and mills being established across the county.
The construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century had a significant impact on Monroe County. The canal connected the Great Lakes with the Hudson River, making Rochester, the county seat, a bustling center of commerce and industry. Businesses flourished as the city became a major transportation hub, attracting entrepreneurs and immigrants from all over the world.
Throughout the 20th century, Monroe County continued to develop and diversify. Rochester became known as the "Flower City," with flourishing horticulture and seed industries. The county also played a vital role in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the production of cameras, optical equipment, and other technological advancements.
Today, Monroe County remains a vibrant and thriving region, with a strong economy and a rich cultural heritage. The county is home to numerous educational institutions, including the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology, solidifying its reputation as a center for innovation and knowledge. While industry has evolved and changed over the years, the county continues to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Monroe County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Monroe County, New York.
- 1683 - Monroe County is part of Albany County, which was formed by the English colonial government.
- 1796 - The Treaty of Big Tree is signed, transferring land in Monroe County from the Seneca Nation to the United States.
- 1812 - Haussauer's Mills, now known as Rochester, is settled by European-American settlers on the Genesee River.
- 1821 - Monroe County is officially created as a county from parts of Genesee County and Ontario County.
- 1823 - Rochester becomes the county seat of Monroe County.
- 1834 - Nathaniel Rochester, one of Rochester's founders, dies. The city is named after him.
- 1842 - The Erie Canal is enlarged and deepened, boosting Rochester's economy and population.
- 1853 - Rochester becomes an incorporated city.
- 1905 - The City of Rochester annexes several surrounding towns and villages, expanding its borders.
- 1950s - Kodak and Xerox, both headquartered in Rochester, have their heyday and contribute to the local economy.
- 2017 - Unity Health System and Rochester General Health System merge to form Rochester Regional Health, a major healthcare provider in the area.