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Date |
Event(s) |
| 1 | 1636 | - 18 Sep 1636: Harvard College founded
The General Court of Massachusetts Bay Colony established Harvard College, the first institution of higher learning in the United States.
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| 2 | 1639 | - 14 Jan 1639: Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
The settlements of Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield adopted the "Fundamental Orders," considered to be the first written constitution in America.
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| 3 | 1643 | - 25 Sep 1643: New England Confederation formed
The colonies of Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven formed a military alliance for mutual defense against Native Americans.
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| 4 | 1652 | - 30 May 1652: Rhode Island outlawed slavery
Rhode Island passed a law prohibiting slavery, though it was largely ignored and later repealed.
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| 5 | 1663 | - 24 Mar 1663: Carolina Charter granted
King Charles II granted a charter to eight proprietors to establish the Carolina colony.
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| 6 | 1664 | - 2 Sep 1664: English seize New Netherland
The English fleet seized the Dutch colony of New Netherland without a fight, renaming it New York.
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| 7 | 1675 | - 19 Oct 1675: King Philip's War begins
A major conflict between Native Americans and New England colonists began, resulting in widespread destruction and significant loss of life.
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| 8 | 1676 | - 10 Jun 1676: Bacon's Rebellion
Nathaniel Bacon led a rebellion of Virginia colonists against Governor William Berkeley, protesting his failure to protect them from Native American attacks.
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| 9 | 1681 | - 16 Jan 1681: Pennsylvania granted to William Penn
King Charles II granted a large tract of land to William Penn, a Quaker, to found the colony of Pennsylvania.
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| 10 | 1683 | - 10 Apr 1683: New York City Charter
The Dongan Charter established the government of New York City.
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| 11 | 1686 | - 1 Jan 1686: Dominion of New England formed
King James II merged the New England colonies into a single administrative unit, revoking their colonial charters.
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| 12 | 1689 | - 16 Apr 1689: Boston Revolt
Bostonians arrested the royal governor of the Dominion of New England, Sir Edmund Andros, in a popular uprising.
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| 13 | 1690 | - 8 Feb 1690: Schenectady Massacre
French forces and their Native American allies attacked the settlement of Schenectady, New York, killing over 60 people.
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| 14 | 1692 | - 1 Mar 1692: Salem Witch Trials begin
The first arrests for witchcraft were made in Salem Village, Massachusetts, leading to a series of trials and executions.
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| 15 | 1701 | - 27 May 1701: Charter of Privileges
William Penn granted a new constitution to the Pennsylvania colony, giving more power to the colonial assembly.
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| 16 | 1704 | - 20 May 1704: Boston News-Letter published
The first successful, continuously published newspaper in the colonies was published in Boston.
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| 17 | 1718 | - 3 Jan 1718: New Orleans founded
The French founded the city of New Orleans, which became a key port on the Mississippi River.
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| 18 | 1733 | - 12 Feb 1733: Georgia founded
James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia, the last of the original 13 colonies, as a haven for debtors.
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| 19 | 1735 | - 19 Mar 1735: Zenger Trial
John Peter Zenger was acquitted of seditious libel, a landmark case that established a precedent for freedom of the press in America.
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| 20 | 1739 | - 1 Jan 1739: Stono Rebellion
A slave rebellion in South Carolina resulted in the deaths of over 20 whites and 44 slaves, leading to stricter slave codes.
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| 21 | 1740 | - 1 Jan 1740: Great Awakening begins
A series of religious revivals began to sweep through the American colonies, led by figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield.
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| 22 | 1752 | - 15 Jun 1752: Franklin's kite experiment
Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment, proving that lightning is a form of electricity.
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| 23 | 1754 | - 28 May 1754: French and Indian War begins
A conflict between Great Britain and France for control of North America began, with Native American tribes allied with both sides.
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| 24 | 1759 | - 14 Sep 1759: Battle of Quebec
British forces under General James Wolfe defeated the French, leading to the capture of Quebec and a turning point in the French and Indian War.
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| 25 | 1763 | - 10 Feb 1763: Treaty of Paris ends war
The Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the French and Indian War and ceding French territory in North America to Great Britain.
- 7 Oct 1763: Proclamation of 1763
King George III issued a proclamation forbidding American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.
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| 26 | 1764 | - 5 Apr 1764: Sugar Act passed
The British Parliament passed the Sugar Act to raise revenue from the colonies, which angered colonists and led to protests.
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| 27 | 1765 | - 22 Mar 1765: Stamp Act passed
The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act, requiring a tax on all legal documents, newspapers, and other printed materials.
- 24 Mar 1765: Quartering Act
The British Parliament passed the Quartering Act, requiring American colonists to provide housing and food for British soldiers.
- 7 Oct 1765: Stamp Act Congress meets
Delegates from nine colonies met in New York to protest the Stamp Act, issuing a Declaration of Rights and Grievances.
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| 28 | 1766 | - 18 Mar 1766: Declaratory Act passed
The British Parliament repealed the Stamp Act but passed the Declaratory Act, asserting its right to legislate for the colonies "in all cases whatsoever."
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| 29 | 1767 | - 29 Jun 1767: Townshend Acts passed
Parliament passed new laws taxing imports of glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea into the colonies.
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| 30 | 1770 | - 5 Mar 1770: Boston Massacre
British soldiers fired into a crowd of colonists in Boston, killing five people and further inflaming tensions.
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| 31 | 1773 | - 10 May 1773: Tea Act passed
The British Parliament passed the Tea Act, which gave the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies.
- 16 Dec 1773: Boston Tea Party
Colonists in Boston, disguised as Native Americans, dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor in protest of the Tea Act.
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| 32 | 1774 | - 31 Mar 1774: Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts)
In response to the Boston Tea Party, Parliament passed a series of punitive laws, including the Boston Port Act and the Quartering Act.
- 5 Sep 1774: First Continental Congress
Delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia to coordinate a response to the Coercive Acts.
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| 33 | 1775 | - 19 Apr 1775: Battles of Lexington and Concord
The "shot heard 'round the world" was fired, marking the start of the American Revolutionary War.
- 10 May 1775: Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia, assuming the role of a provisional government for the colonies.
- 17 Jun 1775: Battle of Bunker Hill
British forces defeated the American colonists in a costly battle in Boston, demonstrating the colonists' determination.
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| 34 | 1776 | - 4 Jul 1776: Declaration of Independence adopted
The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, formally severing ties with Great Britain.
- 26 Dec 1776: Battle of Trenton
General George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River and defeated a Hessian garrison in a surprise attack.
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| 35 | 1777 | - 17 Oct 1777: Battle of Saratoga
American forces defeated the British at Saratoga, a turning point that convinced France to enter the war as an American ally.
- 19 Dec 1777—19 Jun 1778: The Continental Army endured a brutal winter at Valley Forge
suffering from disease, cold, and starvation.
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| 36 | 1778 | - 23 Feb 1778: Treaty of Alliance with France
The United States and France signed a treaty, formally recognizing American independence and creating a military alliance.
- 29 Dec 1778: British capture Savannah
British forces captured the city of Savannah, Georgia, as part of their "Southern strategy."
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| 37 | 1780 | - 12 May 1780: British capture Charleston
The British captured Charleston, South Carolina, a major defeat for the Continental Army.
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| 38 | 1781 | - 1 Mar 1781: Articles of Confederation ratified
The states officially ratified the Articles of Confederation, the first government of the United States.
- 19 Oct 1781: Battle of Yorktown
The combined American and French forces trapped and defeated the British army at Yorktown, Virginia, a decisive victory that led to the end of the war.
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| 39 | 1783 | - 3 Sep 1783: Treaty of Paris ends war
The Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the American Revolutionary War and recognizing American independence.
- 23 Dec 1783: Washington resigns his commission
George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief, a rare act of a military leader voluntarily giving up power.
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| 40 | 1787 | - 25 May 1787—17 Sep 1787: Delegates met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation
but instead drafted a new Constitution.
- 13 Jul 1787: Northwest Ordinance passed
The Northwest Ordinance established a process for admitting new states to the Union and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.
- 17 Sep 1787: U.S. Constitution signed
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the United States Constitution in Philadelphia.
- 7 Dec 1787: Delaware ratifies Constitution
Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
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| 41 | 1788 | - 21 Jun 1788: New Hampshire ratifies Constitution
New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, putting it into effect.
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| 42 | 1789 | - 4 Mar 1789: U.S. Constitution goes into effect
The new U.S. government was formally established under the Constitution.
- 30 Apr 1789: George Washington inaugurated
George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the United States in New York City.
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| 43 | 1791 | - 15 Dec 1791: Bill of Rights ratified
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution were ratified, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms.
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| 44 | 1794 | - 1 Jan 1794: Whiskey Rebellion
Farmers in western Pennsylvania protested a federal tax on whiskey, leading to a military response by President Washington.
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| 45 | 1795 | - 10 Aug 1795: Treaty of Greenville
A treaty was signed between the United States and a confederation of Native American tribes, ceding a large portion of what is now Ohio.
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| 46 | 1796 | - 1 Jan 1796: Tennessee becomes 16th state
Tennessee was admitted to the Union as the 16th state.
- 17 Nov 1796: Washington's Farewell Address
George Washington published his farewell address, warning against political factions and foreign entanglements.
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| 47 | 1797 | - 4 Mar 1797: John Adams becomes President
John Adams was inaugurated as the second President of the United States.
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| 48 | 1798 | - 7 Jul 1798: Quasi-War with France
The U.S. entered an undeclared naval war with France, triggered by French seizure of American ships.
- 14 Jul 1798: Alien and Sedition Acts
Congress passed a series of laws that made it more difficult for immigrants to become citizens and allowed the government to deport or imprison "seditious" persons.
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| 49 | 1801 | - 4 Mar 1801: Thomas Jefferson inaugurated
Thomas Jefferson was sworn in as the third President of the United States.
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| 50 | 1803 | - 30 Apr 1803: Louisiana Purchase
The United States purchased a vast territory from France for $15 million, nearly doubling the size of the country.
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| 51 | 1804 | - 14 May 1804: Lewis and Clark Expedition begins
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their expedition to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.
- 2 Dec 1804: Jefferson reelected
Thomas Jefferson was reelected as President of the United States.
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| 52 | 1807 | - 2 Mar 1807: Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves
Congress passed a law prohibiting the importation of slaves into the United States, effective January 1, 1808.
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| 53 | 1809 | - 14 Jan 1809: Erie Canal construction begins
Construction began on the Erie Canal, a major infrastructure project that connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
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| 54 | 1812 | - 18 Jun 1812: War of 1812 begins
The United States declared war on Great Britain over maritime rights and British support for Native American tribes.
- 16 Aug 1812: Surrender of Detroit
American forces surrendered Detroit to the British, a major early defeat in the War of 1812.
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| 55 | 1814 | - 24 Aug 1814: Burning of Washington
British troops captured and burned Washington, D.C., including the White House and the Capitol.
- 13 Sep 1814: Battle of Fort McHenry
American forces at Fort McHenry successfully defended Baltimore from a British naval attack, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."
- 24 Dec 1814: Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was signed, officially ending the War of 1812.
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| 56 | 1815 | - 8 Jan 1815: Battle of New Orleans
General Andrew Jackson defeated the British in the final major battle of the War of 1812, fought after the peace treaty had been signed.
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| 57 | 1817 | - 4 Mar 1817: James Monroe inaugurated
James Monroe was sworn in as the fifth President of the United States.
- 10 Dec 1817: Mississippi becomes 20th state
Mississippi was admitted to the Union.
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| 58 | 1819 | - 2 Mar 1819: Missouri Compromise
Congress passed a compromise allowing Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance of power.
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| 59 | 1823 | - 2 Dec 1823: Monroe Doctrine
President James Monroe announced a U.S. foreign policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas.
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| 60 | 1825 | - 26 Oct 1825: Erie Canal completed
The Erie Canal officially opened, revolutionizing transportation and trade.
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| 61 | 1826 | - 4 Jul 1826: Jefferson and Adams die
Former presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
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| 62 | 1829 | - 4 Mar 1829: Andrew Jackson inaugurated
Andrew Jackson was sworn in as the seventh President, beginning the "Age of Jackson."
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| 63 | 1830 | - 28 May 1830: Indian Removal Act
President Andrew Jackson signed a law forcing the relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands.
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| 64 | 1836 | - 2 Mar 1836: Texas declares independence
Texas declared its independence from Mexico, leading to the Texas Revolution.
- 6 Mar 1836: Battle of the Alamo
Texan defenders of the Alamo were defeated by Mexican forces after a 13-day siege.
- 28 Dec 1836: Battle of San Jacinto
Texan forces led by Sam Houston defeated the Mexican army, securing Texas independence.
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| 65 | 1838 | - 28 May 1838: Trail of Tears begins
The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation from their homeland began, resulting in thousands of deaths.
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| 66 | 1845 | - 29 Dec 1845: Texas annexed by U.S.
The Republic of Texas was annexed by the United States, becoming the 28th state.
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| 67 | 1846 | - 13 May 1846: Mexican-American War begins
The United States declared war on Mexico over a border dispute in Texas.
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| 68 | 1848 | - 24 Jan 1848: California Gold Rush begins
Gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill, California, triggering a massive migration of "forty-niners."
- 24 Jan 1848: Gold discovered in California
James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California, beginning the California Gold Rush.
- 2 Feb 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The treaty was signed, ending the Mexican-American War and ceding significant territory to the United States.
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| 69 | 1850 | - 9 Sep 1850: Compromise of 1850
A series of five bills passed to address the issue of slavery, including admitting California as a free state and enacting the Fugitive Slave Act.
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| 70 | 1852 | - 20 Mar 1852: Uncle Tom's Cabin published
Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery novel was published, becoming a bestseller and fueling the abolitionist movement.
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| 71 | 1854 | - 30 May 1854: Kansas-Nebraska Act
The act created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska and allowed settlers to decide on the issue of slavery through "popular sovereignty."
- 15 Oct 1854: Republican Party founded
Anti-slavery activists and Whig Party members formed the Republican Party in Ripon, Wisconsin.
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| 72 | 1856 | - 21 May 1856: Sack of Lawrence
Pro-slavery forces attacked and looted the anti-slavery town of Lawrence, Kansas, during "Bleeding Kansas."
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| 73 | 1857 | - 6 Mar 1857: Dred Scott decision
The Supreme Court ruled that African Americans were not citizens and that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional.
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| 74 | 1858 | - 15 Oct 1858: Lincoln-Douglas Debates
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas held a series of seven debates on the issue of slavery in Illinois.
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| 75 | 1859 | - 16 Oct 1859: John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry
Abolitionist John Brown led a raid on a federal armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, hoping to start a slave revolt.
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| 76 | 1860 | - 6 Nov 1860: Abraham Lincoln elected
Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States.
- 20 Dec 1860: South Carolina secedes
South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union following Lincoln's election.
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| 77 | 1861 | - 8 Feb 1861: Confederate States of America formed
Seven Southern states formed the Confederate States of America.
- 4 Mar 1861: Lincoln inaugurated
Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated as President of the United States.
- 12 Apr 1861: Attack on Fort Sumter
Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina, marking the start of the American Civil War.
- 21 Jul 1861: First Battle of Bull Run
The first major land battle of the Civil War resulted in a Confederate victory.
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| 78 | 1862 | - 8 Mar 1862: Monitor vs. Merrimack
The first battle between two ironclad warships took place in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
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| 79 | 1863 | - 1 Jan 1863: Emancipation Proclamation
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in Confederate-held territory.
- 1 Jul 1863—3 Jul 1863: Battle of Gettysburg
A major Union victory in Pennsylvania that is considered a turning point of the war.
- 4 Jul 1863: Siege of Vicksburg ends
Union forces captured Vicksburg, Mississippi, giving them control of the Mississippi River.
- 19 Nov 1863: Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous address at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg.
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| 80 | 1864 | - 8 Nov 1864: Lincoln reelected
Abraham Lincoln was reelected as President of the United States.
- 15 Nov 1864—21 Dec 1864: Sherman's March to the Sea
Union General William Tecumseh Sherman led his troops on a destructive march through Georgia.
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| 81 | 1865 | - 9 Apr 1865: Lee surrenders at Appomattox
Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War.
- 14 Apr 1865: Lincoln assassinated
President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre.
- 18 Dec 1865: 13th Amendment ratified
The 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, was ratified.
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| 82 | 1867 | - 1 Jan 1867: Reconstruction Acts
Congress passed acts that divided the South into five military districts and set conditions for readmission to the Union.
- 30 Mar 1867: Alaska Purchase
The United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, a deal widely known as "Seward's Folly."
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| 83 | 1868 | - 1 Jan 1868: 14th Amendment ratified
The 14th Amendment was ratified, granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.
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| 84 | 1869 | - 1 May 1869: Transcontinental Railroad completed
The first transcontinental railroad was completed at Promontory Summit, Utah.
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| 85 | 1870 | - 1 Jan 1870: 15th Amendment ratified
The 15th Amendment was ratified, guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of race.
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1636 - 
