The Americans are defeated at the Battle of Quebec   On this day in history, December 31, 1775, the Americans are defeated at the Battle of Quebec, the first major loss for the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The Continental Congress launched an invasion of Canada in September of

Declaration of Independence signer Francis Lewis dies   On this day in history, December 30, 1803, Declaration of Independence signer Francis Lewis dies. Lewis was a New York delegate to the Continental Congress and a member of the New York Provincial Congress who saw more personal tragedy as a result

Savannah, Georgia is captured by the British army   On this day in history, December 29, 1778, Savannah, Georgia is captured by the British Army in the First Battle of Savannah, the first strike of the new British southern campaign aimed at taking back control of the rebellious southern colonies.

Ben Franklin publishes first Poor Richard’s Almanack   On this day in history, December 28, 1732, Ben Franklin publishes the first Poor Richard’s Almanack. Franklin would publish the almanac for the next 25 years, becoming rich and famous in the process. Poor Richard’s Almanac contained weather predictions, witty sayings, poems,

The Battle of Cedar Bridge is fought   On this day in history, December 27, 1782, the Battle of Cedar Bridge is fought near Manahawkin, New Jersey. One of the last skirmishes of the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Cedar Bridge was a fight between Loyalist holdouts and New Jersey

The Americans win the Battle of Trenton   On this day in history, December 26, 1776, the Americans win the Battle of Trenton, reversing a series of defeats and proving the Continental Army had what it took to compete against the British. The victory came after months of losses for

George Washington crosses the Delaware River   On this day in history, December 25, 1776, George Washington crosses the Delaware River on Christmas Day with the Continental Army on their way to attack the Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey. The attack had been planned in secret and was a “Hail

The Brigantine General Arnold leaves Boston on its fateful mission   On this day in history, December 24, 1778, the Brigantine General Arnold leaves Boston on its fateful mission to the West Indies, only to be caught in a massive snowstorm off Plymouth Rock and to be dashed to bits

Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis is read to the Continental Army   On this day in history, December 23, 1776, Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis is read to the Continental Army as it prepares to attack the Hessians at Trenton. Thomas Paine had already had an enormous effect on the

Esek Hopkins appointed Commander-in-Chief of Continental Navy   On this day in history, December 22, 1775, Esek Hopkins is appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Navy. The Continental Congress had begun the process of establishing a Navy in October of 1776 by passing resolutions to purchase and arm four ships. Soon