December 25
With army enlistment about to expire at year’s end, Washington must act. Continental Army begins daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River.
December 26
Washington’s victory over the Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey, gives new life to the cause. In the coming year, Congress and Washington build an army for the war based on longterm enlistment.
1777
At What Price?
In 1777 the Americans cut short a British plan to divide and conquer the colonies. The British surrendered a large force to the Continental Army after the battles of Saratoga in New York, but were able to capture the patriot capital at Philadelphia. In December, an optimistic, but weary Continental Army marched into winter quarters at Valley Forge.
January 3
Washington follows up triumph at Trenton with a victory at the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey.
January 6
Continental Army enters second winter encampment of the war at Morristown, New Jersey.
May
After facing defeat by patriot militia along the southern frontier, Cherokee Indians are forced from their land in South Carolina.
May 28
Continental Army leaves Morristown, New Jersey, encampment.
June
British under General John Burgoyne begin lake-route invasion from Canada.
July 6
British force Americans to abandon Fort Ticonderoga.
July 20
After struggle with patriot forces along the Carolina and Georgia frontiers, Cherokee give up land in western North Carolina.
July 27
Marquis de Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia to volunteer for the American cause.
August 2 - 23
Patriots successfully defend Fort Stanwix, New York, against intimidating British assault, halting one prong of planned English offensive.
August 6
In one of the bloodiest actions of the war, Mohawk war chief, Joseph Brant and British-allied Indians ambush and engage New York militia outside Fort Stanwix at Oriskany, New York.
