The U.S. Army began on June 14, 1775, a milestone included in America250’s Revolutionary-era history.
The Continental Congress created the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, shortly after fighting began at Lexington and Concord. George Washington was appointed its commander in chief on June 15, 1775, one day after the army’s creation.
The army initially brought together colonial militias under a continental command. It fought British forces throughout the war and eventually helped secure American independence. The Continental Army was formally disbanded after the Treaty of Paris ended the war, but the modern U.S. Army traces its institutional lineage to the 1775 establishment.
June 14 is also observed as the U.S. Army’s birthday. It should not be confused with Flag Day, which falls on the same date and commemorates the adoption of the first national flag resolution in 1777.