The United States Army was established on June 14, 1775, an anniversary highlighted during America250 events.
The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, before the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Congress selected George Washington as commander in chief, and he formally accepted the appointment on June 19, 1775.
The Army’s creation reflected the need to coordinate military forces from the colonies under a continental command. Before that decision, local militias and colonial units had fought the British, including at Lexington and Concord in April 1775.
June 14 is observed as the Army’s birthday. It is also the date of Flag Day in the United States, though the two commemorations have different historical origins. The Army’s 250th anniversary in 2025 formed an early, military-focused part of the broader commemorations leading into the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.