Following the Road to Independence—One Day at a Time
The month of July 1775 marks a crucial period of transformation. The colonies moved from petitions for peace to laying the foundations of a unified army. Here’s a look at each day’s unfolding history as revolution hardened into reality.July 1: Massachusetts Launches a Navy
Massachusetts officially creates a naval force, taking another step toward full independence from British control.July 2: Washington Arrives in Cambridge
General George Washington arrives in Cambridge to take command and transform New England militias into a unified American army.July 3: A Stern Assessment
Washington formally assumes command and is unimpressed by the disorder and undisciplined nature of the New England troops.July 4: An Army Assembles for Canada
Generals Richard Montgomery and Philip Schuyler gather American forces at Fort Ticonderoga for an invasion of Quebec.July 5: The Olive Branch Petition
Congress approves the Olive Branch Petition, a final plea for peace and reconciliation with King George III.July 6: A Spy Among Patriots
An encoded letter from Benjamin Church—member of the Sons of Liberty—is intercepted, revealing he is spying for the British.July 7: A Day of Prayer in Georgia
Georgia Governor James Wright calls for a day of fasting and prayer at the request of the Continental Congress.July 8: Georgia Strikes a Blow
Patriots in Georgia capture the British ship *Philippa*, seize its gunpowder, and send the supplies north to aid Boston.July 9: Dorchester Heights Plan Rejected
Washington and his generals meet in a war council and decide not to occupy the strategic Dorchester Heights—for now.July 10: Washington Establishes Headquarters
Washington moves his headquarters to the Vassall House in Cambridge, where it remains throughout the siege of Boston.July 11: Adams on Washington’s Greatness
John Adams writes to Abigail that Washington “will cement and secure the united colonies” and become a key figure in history.July 12: Dunmore Reports Rebellion
Virginia’s royal governor, Lord Dunmore, reports open rebellion by colonists while claiming they still profess loyalty to the Crown.July 13: Howe’s Fleet Arrives
Admiral Richard “Black Dick” Howe arrives in North America with a powerful British fleet.July 14: Soldiers Rejoice in Washington
Nathaniel Greene writes, “Joy was visible on every countenance” as American troops cheer Washington’s leadership.July 15: Fort Johnston Threatened
North Carolina’s Committee of Safety calls for action to oust the British at Fort Johnston. Governor Martin flees to a British warship.July 16: Abigail Adams Meets Washington
After meeting Washington, Abigail Adams writes that John “hardly had said enough” in praising him.July 17: Army Camps Get Sanitary Rules
Rev. William Emerson notes that Washington enforces strict hygiene and discipline: “The strictest government is taking place.”July 18: Washington Writes to Martha
Washington writes to Martha that he did not seek command: “It has been a kind of destiny that has been thrown upon me.” That same day, patriots seize Fort Johnston.July 19: Seeking Peace with Native Tribes
Congress appoints commissioners to negotiate with northern Indigenous nations to prevent British alliances.July 20: Supplies Seized in New York
Patriots raid Turtle Bay, Manhattan, and ship British military stores north. In New Jersey, Salem County forms its first minutemen unit.July 21: Franklin’s Confederation Plan
Benjamin Franklin presents a plan for colonial confederation to Congress. Though not adopted, it foreshadows future union.July 22: Army Organized into Corps
Washington divides the army into three corps led by Generals Charles Lee, Artemas Ward, and Israel Putnam.July 23: A Loyalist Sermon
Rev. William Smith, Anglican Provost of the College of Philadelphia, preaches loyalty to the Crown.July 24: Virginia Enacts Trade Boycott
Virginia resolves to cease exporting flour, wheat, and other goods to Britain and its territories.July 25: Maryland Prints Revolutionary Currency
Maryland issues paper money with imagery of George III trampling on the Magna Carta—an open act of defiance.July 26: Cabinet Prepares for War
The King’s Cabinet, shaken by Bunker Hill, resolves to send 2,000 additional troops. Lord North declares: “It must be treated as a foreign war.”July 27: British Command Change
General Thomas Gage hands over command of British forces in Boston to General William Howe.July 28: Washington Reflects on the Army
Washington writes to Philip Schuyler, describing his troops as “raw materials” in need of shaping into a disciplined army.July 29: Army Chaplains Authorized
Congress establishes the Army Chaplain Department to serve the spiritual needs of American soldiers.July 30: Congress Plans Recess
John Adams tells Abigail that Congress may adjourn in August due to Philadelphia’s “sultry” summer heat.July 31: Reconciliation Proposal Rejected
Congress rejects a North Ministry peace proposal sent to private individuals rather than to Congress—it falls short of independence.Reflections from the Battlefield
July 1775 was a month of transition—from militias to a structured army, from hopeful petitions to hardened resolve. With Washington at the helm, the colonies moved steadily toward a war for independence. The Princeton Battlefield Society honors these pivotal days that shaped the American future.
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