March 1: Charleston Under Threat

Washington sends Gen. Charles Lee south to defend Charleston from an expected British attack.

March 2: Abigail Adams Hears the War

In Quincy, Abigail Adams writes, “The house shakes with the roar of cannon,” as American forces bombard British positions in Boston.

March 3: Raid on Nassau

An American fleet led by Esek Hopkins captures vital gunpowder during a raid on Nassau in the Bahamas.

March 4: Dorchester Heights Seized

American troops fortify and occupy Dorchester Heights, placing 20 cannon overlooking Boston—an “astonishing night’s work,” according to British engineer Archibald Robertson.

March 5: Boston’s Fate Hangs in the Balance

With the Heights fortified, British defenses become untenable. Gen. William Howe prepares to attack, writing that “the fate of America” is at stake.

March 6: A Storm Intervenes

A violent storm disrupts Howe’s planned assault. American Gen. William Heath later concludes that “a kind Heaven” intervened.

March 7: Hard March to Canada

Lt. Joseph Brearley writes of reaching Montreal after a grueling 500-mile winter march with the Northern Army.

March 8: Evacuation Decided

Howe resolves to evacuate Boston as residents plead with him not to burn the city.

March 9: A Landmark in Economics

Adam Smith publishes The Wealth of Nations, a work that will shape modern economic thought.

March 10: Fighting in Chesapeake Bay

The British warship HMS Otter repels American forces attacking from shore.

March 11: Franklin Looks to Canada

Benjamin Franklin informs Gen. Philip Schuyler that he and fellow commissioners will travel to Canada to seek support for the American cause.

March 12: British Forces Gather in the South

Gen. Henry Clinton’s expedition reaches Cape Fear, North Carolina, linking with Loyalist forces.

March 13: Reports of Plunder

Boston Selectman Timothy Newell reports British troops looting the city.

March 14: British Withdrawal Begins

Washington writes that the British have begun evacuating Boston and may head for New York.

March 15: Terms of Departure

Howe proposes that if Americans refrain from attacking during evacuation, the British will not burn Boston.

March 16: A Mass Departure

British forces evacuate thousands—soldiers, Loyalists, and families—aboard a fleet of 125 ships.

March 17: The British Sail Away

The fleet departs Boston Harbor, bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia.

March 18: A Quiet Victory

Washington enters Boston and marks the occasion not with celebration, but with a day of thanksgiving and prayer.

March 19: Assessing the Damage

Washington reports to Hancock that Boston has “suffered greatly” under British occupation.

March 20: Greene Takes Command

Gen. Nathanael Greene assumes command in Boston as Washington considers his next move.

March 21: Focus Turns to New York

Congress orders military supplies to be stockpiled in New York City, anticipating it will be the next target.

March 22: Diplomacy Abroad

Franklin provides Silas Deane with credentials to coordinate with American representatives in Europe.

March 23: Privateers Authorized

Congress issues Letters of Marque, allowing American ships to capture British vessels legally.

March 24: Washington Seeks Guidance

Washington asks Congress how to respond if the British offer peace negotiations.

March 25: A Warning from Hancock

Hancock cautions that the British defeat in Boston may make them more dangerous adversaries.

March 26: South Carolina Acts

South Carolina adopts a state constitution, establishing an independent government.

March 27: Preparing for the Next Battle

Washington prepares to move forces toward New York, expecting it to become the next theater of war.

March 28: Gunpowder Production Urged

Congress calls on Maryland to establish facilities to produce gunpowder.

March 29: The Canadian Mission Advances

Franklin and fellow commissioners arrive in New York en route to Canada.

March 30: News of Victory Spreads

Congress reads of the American success in Boston in the Philadelphia Evening Post.

March 31: Abigail Adams Makes Her Appeal

Abigail Adams urges her husband to “Remember the ladies” as new laws are formed, warning against unchecked power in the new nation.