The American Revolution in 1778
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.
The first American chess tournament was held in New York City in 1843, and it was won by a 21-year-old named Paul Morphy.
European colonization of Westchester began in the early 1600s, when Dutch settlers established trading posts and farms in the area. The Dutch West India Company purchased land from Native American tribes and built settlements along the Hudson River, including present-day Yonkers and Tarrytown. In 1674, Westchester came under English rule as part of the Province of New York, and English towns and cities began to emerge.
During the American Revolution, Westchester County played a crucial role as a strategic location between the British-held city of New York and the Continental Army's headquarters in the Hudson Valley. Several major battles and skirmishes took place in the area, including the Battle of White Plains in 1776. Westchester residents were divided in their loyalties, with some supporting the British Crown and others fighting for American independence.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Westchester experienced rapid industrialization and suburbanization. The construction of railroads and the opening of the Tappan Zee Bridge in 1955 facilitated the growth of commuter suburbs, attracting residents from New York City. Today, Westchester County is known for its wealthy towns, vibrant arts scene, and scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
Westchester County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Westchester County, New York.
- 1683 - Westchester County is founded by an act of the New York Colonial Assembly.
- 1776 - During the American Revolution, Westchester County is partially occupied by British forces.
- 1788 - The village of Sing Sing (now called Ossining) becomes the location of New York State's first state prison.
- 1846 - The first railroad in Westchester County, the New York and Harlem Railroad, opens.
- 1872 - Untermyer Park and Gardens, one of Westchester's most famous parks, is established in Yonkers.
- 1883 - The Bronx is separated from Westchester County and becomes part of New York City.
- 1918 - The Bronx River Parkway, the first public parkway in the United States, is opened in Westchester County.
- 1921 - Playland amusement park opens in Rye.
- 1954 - The Tappan Zee Bridge, connecting Westchester and Rockland counties, is opened to traffic.
- 1977 - Westchester becomes the first suburban area to implement a curbside recycling program.