26th October 1776: Benjamin Franklin departs America for France to secure a formal alliance and treaty

On February 6, 1778, France formally allied with the American colonies when they signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance that brought much-needed military aid including troops, naval support, and supplies.

27th September 1777: The city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, became the capital of the United States for a single day

The Continental Congress convened for an official session in Lancaster’s County Courthouse, marking the one and only day the city held the title of the capital of the United States.

22nd September 1776: Nathan Hale hanged by the British for spying for the Continental Army during the American Revolution

Hale volunteered to gather intelligence on British troop movements and strategies but was captured, swiftly subjected to a trial by British authorities, found guilty of spying, and condemned to death as an illegal combatant.

5th September 1781: Battle of the Chesapeake sees the British Navy repelled by the French during the American War of Independence

The French victory blocked British reinforcements and resupplies for General Cornwallis at Yorktown who surrendered his forces on October 19.

18th April 1775: Paul Revere rode from Charleston to Lexington with his message that “the Regulars are coming out!”

Whether Revere referred to the approaching army as ‘regulars’ or ‘Redcoats’ is unclear, but his cry had the intended consequence of signalling the march of troops towards the Massachusetts village of Concord.

21st February 1885: the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. was dedicated

The 555-foot tall Washington Monument was dedicated at a ceremony featuring President Chester Arthur alongside fellow politicians, engineers and freemasons.