The Continental Congress established the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, during the American Revolution.
The Second Continental Congress created the army to coordinate colonial military forces after fighting had begun at Lexington and Concord in April 1775. Congress incorporated Patriot forces already gathered around Boston and New York City, creating a unified army for the thirteen colonies.
The following day, Congress unanimously elected George Washington of Virginia as commander-in-chief. Washington led the Continental Army throughout the war, serving without a regular salary but receiving reimbursement for expenses. The army included state militia, volunteers, and soldiers enlisted directly into Continental units.
June 14 is commemorated as the birthday of the United States Army. The Continental Army remained active until 1783, when the Revolutionary War ended. It was different from local militias because it operated under Continental Congress authority, although the two forces often worked together.