The first shots of the American Revolutionary War are fired. American militiamen resist British troops in Massachusetts, marking the outbreak of open rebellion.
Militia are posted at the Lewes lighthouse to guard Delaware’s coast from British naval threats.
Delaware’s historic Swedish fort is reconstructed to support regional defense efforts near the Delaware River.
Two British ships engage with Delaware defenders near Wilmington. The ships are ultimately forced to withdraw after a brief confrontation.
A Loyalist uprising in Dover is quickly suppressed by Delaware patriots, revealing lingering divisions within the colony.
Delaware formally separates from both Pennsylvania and Great Britain, establishing its own independent government—two weeks before the Declaration of Independence is adopted.
Delaware militia under Colonel William Patterson reinforce the mobile reserve force defending the mid-Atlantic colonies.
The Continental Congress approves the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, marking a bold new chapter for the colonies.
Caesar Rodney, George Read, and Thomas McKean officially sign the Declaration of Independence.
Delaware’s 1st Regiment, under Colonel John Haslet, fights valiantly in one of the war’s earliest large-scale battles.
The 1st Delaware Regiment participates in continued resistance as British forces press deeper into New York.
Delaware troops support Washington’s daring Christmas-night crossing and help secure a morale-boosting victory over Hessian forces.
Delaware soldiers help hold a defensive line at Assunpink Creek, delaying British advances.
Delaware troops under Major Thomas Duff, along with remnants of the 1st Regiment, fight in this key American victory. Colonel John Haslet is killed, a major loss for Delaware.
General William Howe lands with 15,000 troops just south of the Delaware border, launching a campaign to capture Philadelphia.
President John McKinly instructs General Caesar Rodney to muster state militia at Noxontown (modern Townsend) in response to the British landing.
A British column crosses the Elk River, threatens Middletown, and encamps near Summit (modern Summit Bridge).
General George Washington marches his troops through Wilmington and sets up a defensive line along Red Clay Creek near Newport.
General Rodney shifts his militia headquarters from Noxontown to Middletown and back again as troop movements intensify.
American forces clash with the British in Delaware’s only Revolutionary War battle, near Newark. Though a minor defeat, the engagement delays the enemy.
Washington and his generals meet at the Hale-Byrnes House to plan defenses ahead of the pivotal Brandywine battle.
Delaware troops fight alongside Continental forces in one of the war’s largest battles. Despite a loss, they help slow the British march toward Philadelphia.
Delaware soldiers settle into winter quarters with Washington’s army. The grueling conditions forge a stronger, more disciplined force.
Delaware troops participate in this intense and sweltering battle. Their disciplined performance reflects the training and resilience gained at Valley Forge.
British General Cornwallis surrenders to Washington at Yorktown. Delaware soldiers are present at the siege that ends major fighting in the Revolutionary War.
Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, cementing its legacy as the First State in the new republic.
