The United States Army was founded on June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment for the Continental Army.
Congress acted nearly a year before the Declaration of Independence. The Revolutionary War had already begun with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the colonies needed a coordinated military force rather than only separate local units.
The congressional action authorized ten companies of riflemen and accepted responsibility for existing New England troops and other forces. June 14 is observed as the U.S. Army’s birthday, and the service marked its 250th anniversary in 2025.
This anniversary is related to, but distinct from, America’s national 250th anniversary in 2026. The Army predates the Declaration and the formal adoption of the name “United States.” Its founding reflects the military organization created during the struggle that led to independence.