The Continental Army was created on June 14, 1775, a milestone also commemorated during America250’s 2025 events.
The Second Continental Congress established the army as a unified force for the colonies during the Revolutionary War. Congress appointed George Washington as its commander in chief, linking the new army to the broader political and military effort against Great Britain.
The date is now associated with the birthday of the United States Army. The Army’s 250th anniversary in 2025 served as an early milestone in the broader period leading into America’s 250th national anniversary in 2026. These are related but distinct anniversaries: the Army was created in 1775, while the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776.
The Continental Army remained active through the Revolutionary War and was disbanded after the conflict. The modern United States Army traces its institutional origins to that 1775 creation.