October 1: Reinforcements Ordered from Florida

British General Thomas Gage, under mounting pressure, orders troops from British East Florida to reinforce his garrison in Boston.

October 2: Patriots Capture British Supply Ship

New Hampshire patriots seize the Prince George, depriving the British of badly needed provisions and munitions.

October 3: A Spy Among Patriots

Washington confronts the betrayal of Dr. Benjamin Church, a member of the Sons of Liberty, discovered to be a British spy.

October 4: Treachery Revealed to Congress

Washington formally informs Congress of Dr. Church’s espionage, confirming British infiltration of the patriot movement.

October 5: March Toward Quebec

Benedict Arnold’s expedition reaches the “carrying place” in Maine, where exhausted soldiers must portage their boats through rugged wilderness.

October 6: Congress Acts Against Loyalists

Congress orders the arrest of “Tories dangerous to the liberties of America,” showing a hardening stance toward Loyalist sympathizers.

October 7: Bristol Burned

British warships bombard and burn the Rhode Island town of Bristol, devastating civilians and igniting outrage throughout the colonies.

October 8: Debate Over Enlistment

Continental Army officers voice opposition to Black soldiers serving, revealing deep divisions even within the patriot ranks.

October 9: New Jersey Called to Arms

Congress asks New Jersey to raise two Continental regiments, offering a soldier’s pay of $5 a month.

October 10: General Gage Departs

Recalled to England for failing to suppress rebellion, General Thomas Gage leaves Boston. Command passes to General William Howe.

October 11: Hope for Canada

John Hancock writes to General Philip Schuyler, expressing optimism that Canada will join the thirteen colonies in unity.

October 12: A Distinctly American Uniform

Congress authorizes outfitting New Jersey regiments with hunting shirts and blankets—symbols of a uniquely American army.

October 13: The United States Navy is Born

Congress creates the Continental Navy, launching America’s first naval force to challenge British control of the seas.

October 14: British Retaliation Planned

The British Ministry urges the Royal Navy to destroy ships being built in Pennsylvania before they can threaten British dominance.

October 15: Siege of Fort St. John

The American Northern Army continues its siege of Fort St. John in Canada, aiming to cut British supply lines along the St. Lawrence River.

October 16: Struggle Through the Wilderness

Arnold’s troops endure “excessive wet and miry conditions” as they push through the Maine wilderness toward Quebec.

October 17: Certificates of Loyalty

The North Carolina Committee of Safety requires citizens to sign “Certificates of Loyalty” to the patriot cause—or risk being labeled traitors.

October 18: Portland in Flames

British ships bombard and burn Falmouth, Maine (modern-day Portland), leaving the town in ashes and fueling calls for vengeance.

October 19: A Governor Flees

New York’s Royal Governor, William Tryon, abandons his post and takes refuge aboard a British warship anchored in New York Harbor.

October 20: Fort Chambly Captured

American forces capture Fort Chambly in Quebec, seizing valuable gunpowder and moving closer to the key city of Montreal.

October 21: Supplies Moved Inland

New York orders the relocation of brimstone and sulfur stores to prevent British seizure in an anticipated attack.

October 22: War Expands Southward

The Crown instructs British commanders to extend military operations into the southern colonies, widening the scope of the conflict.

October 23: Alliance with Indigenous Nations

Congress confirms alliances with the Penobscot, Stockbridge, and St. John tribes, strengthening northern defenses.

October 24: Norfolk Bombarded

Virginia’s Royal Governor Lord Dunmore and the British Navy attack Norfolk, spreading destruction along the Virginia coast.

October 25: A Revolutionary Union

Dr. Benjamin Rush becomes engaged to Julia Stockton, daughter of Richard Stockton—both future signers of the Declaration of Independence.

October 26: The King Declares Rebellion

King George III officially proclaims that the colonies are “in open and avowed rebellion,” ending any hope of reconciliation.

October 27: Church Arrested for Treason

Washington orders the arrest of Dr. Benjamin Church for espionage, ensuring that betrayal meets swift justice.

October 28: New Jersey Organizes Minute Men

The New Jersey Provincial Congress calls for every town to form a company of Minute Men, ready to defend liberty at a moment’s notice.

October 29: The War at Sea Begins

Four American ships depart Cambridge to intercept British troopships—the first coordinated naval operation of the Revolution.

October 30: Victory Near Montreal

American troops defeat a British force outside Montreal, securing new ground in the northern campaign.

October 31: Washington Pleads for Soldiers

Facing enlistments expiring, Washington offers new equipment and promises of support to encourage his troops to stay through the winter.