French government formally recognizes the United States   On this day in history, December 17, 1777, the French government formally recognizes the United States for the first time. France had been secretly helping the Americans since early 1776, with supplies of guns, ammunition, money and soldiers, but all this was

Boston Tea Party takes place   On this day in history, December 16, 1773, the Boston Tea Party takes place when a group of angry patriots dump the tea from three ships into Boston Harbor to protest Parliament’s tax on tea. In 1767, the Townshend Acts placed a tax on

United States ratifies the Bill of Rights   On this day in history, December 15, 1791, the United States ratifies the Bill of Rights. On December 15, 1791, Virginia became the 10th of 14 states to vote to ratify the first ten amendments to the Constitution. 14 states? Yes, Vermont

George Washington dies at Mount Vernon   On this day in history, December 14, 1799, George Washington dies at Mount Vernon after contracting a respiratory illness after being outdoors in the rain. George Washington was born in 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He first joined the military in 1753 when

General Charles Lee is captured at Basking Ridge   On this day in history, December 13, 1776, General Charles Lee is captured at Basking Ridge, New Jersey after an overnight stay at a local tavern by a British patrol who learned of his location. Lee remained in British custody until

Continental Congress leaves Philadelphia fearing British invasion   On this day in history, December 12, 1776, the Continental Congress leaves Philadelphia fearing a British invasion. George Washington’s Continental Army was defeated in and around New York City in several battles during the fall of the year. As the army fled

The Battle of Matson’s Ford stops Washington’s trek to Valley Forge   On this day in history, December 11, 1777, the Battle of Matson’s Ford stops Washington’s trek to Valley Forge. After decisively stopping a British advance on the Continental Army north of Philadelphia at the Battle of White Marsh

John Jay is elected President of the Continental Congress   On this day in history, December 10, 1778, John Jay is elected President of the Continental Congress, making him the 5th national leader of the united colonies. John Jay was a New York lawyer and politician who was against British

American Victory at the Battle of Great Bridge   On this day in history, December 9, 1775, an American victory at the Battle of Great Bridge sets the stage for the British abandonment of Virginia. The Battle of Great Bridge was a decisive blow to the Royal Governor, John Murray,

Margaret Kemble and Thomas Gage are married   On this day in history, December 8, 1758, Margaret Kemble and Thomas Gage are married. Thomas Gage would eventually be in command of the mission to Lexington and Concord that would start the American Revolution. Margaret Kemble Gage has long been suspected