1763–1783
Revolutionary War
Growing resistance to British rule led to the American Revolution and the creation of an independent United States.
Defining Moments
Key Historical Events
1773
Boston Tea Party
Revolutionary War
Boston colonists destroyed 342 chests of East India Company tea in December 1773, provoking punitive British legislation that deepened intercolonial resistance and accelerated the crisis leading to revolution.
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1775
Battles of Lexington & Concord
Revolutionary War
British regulars and Massachusetts militia fought at Lexington, Concord, and along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775, beginning open warfare in the American Revolution.
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1776
Declaration of Independence
Revolutionary War
The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, publicly explaining the colonies’ break from Britain and asserting principles of natural rights and government by consent.
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1781
Battle of Yorktown
Revolutionary War
American and French forces trapped Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781, forcing a British surrender that ended most major fighting and opened the way to peace negotiations.
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Explore Destinations From This Era
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Yorktown, VA
A museum and living-history site in Yorktown exploring the American Revolution through artifacts, immersive galleries, films, a Continental Army camp, and an 18th-century farm.
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Atwood Museum
Chatham, MA
A preserved 1752 sea captain’s home and expanded museum campus interpreting centuries of Chatham and Cape Cod history.
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Boston Massacre Site
Boston, MA
A circular pavement marker outside the Old State House identifies the place where British soldiers killed five colonists on March 5, 1770.
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Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Boston, MA
An immersive waterfront museum uses costumed interpreters, replica ships, interactive exhibits, and an original tea chest to recreate the Boston Tea Party.
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Buckman Tavern
Lexington, MA
A preserved colonial tavern where Lexington militiamen gathered before confronting British troops on April 19, 1775.
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Cape Henry Memorial
Virginia Beach, VA
A National Park Service memorial in Virginia Beach marking the English colonists' 1607 first landing and interpreting the 1781 Battle of the Capes.
View DetailsAbout This Era
Growing resistance to British rule led to the American Revolution and the creation of an independent United States.
Last updated August 2, 2026
Road Trips in this Era
Forts and Frontiers: Georgia's Colonial Coast
Follow Britain's contested Georgia frontier from an early Darien outpost through Frederica and Bloody Marsh to colonial settlement and Revolutionary defenses near Savannah.
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Revolutionary Boston: From Protest to Independence
Walk through the meeting halls, streets, waterfront, and battle landscape where Boston’s resistance to British rule became revolution.
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The First State: From Independence to Ratification
Follow Delaware's path from colonial independence to statehood through its first capitol, a founding-era plantation, and Dover's historic seat of government.
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