On what date did the Second Continental Congress establish the Continental Army?

The Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army on June 14, 1775.

The decision came soon after fighting began at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. Congress organized the forces already assembled around Boston into a unified army so the colonies could coordinate military operations against British troops. June 14 is commemorated in the United States as the birthday of the U.S. Army.

The new army initially consisted largely of militia units from New England. Congress appointed George Washington of Virginia as its commander in chief the following day, June 15. Washington then traveled to Massachusetts to take command of the forces besieging Boston.

The Continental Army served throughout the American Revolutionary War and was formally disbanded after the conflict. It should not be confused with the modern United States Army, which Congress reorganized under the Constitution in 1789. The Revolutionary force was created under the authority of the Second Continental Congress.