Cherokees attack North Carolina frontier.
Juan Bautista de Anza begins overland journey to California from Sonora, Mexico.
Presidio of San Francisco established by Spain.
British troops evacuate Boston; sail for Nova Scotia (March 17).Congress appoints a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence (June 7).Congress passes a resolution of independence (July 2).
General Howe defeats Washington in Battle of Long Island; Washington evacuates army into Manhattan (August).
Congress officially names the new country 'The United States' (September 9).
Captured spy Nathan Hale executed without trial by the British (September 22).
British defeat Washington's forces in Battle of White Plains (October 28).
British capture American armories in Fort Washington and Fort Lee (November).
Washington crosses Delaware River to wage a successful surprise raid on British/Hessian troops at Trenton (December 25).