The United States Army was founded on June 14, 1775.
The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, before the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Congress appointed George Washington as commander in chief soon afterward, and the army became the principal land force fighting Britain.
June 14 is also celebrated annually as the Army’s birthday. In 2025, the Army marked its 250th anniversary, one year before the United States marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration through America250. The two anniversaries are connected but commemorate different institutions and dates.
The Army’s founding is sometimes confused with the creation of the Continental Congress’s navy or the Marine Corps. The Continental Navy was authorized later in 1775, while the Continental Marines were established in November of that year. America’s national independence anniversary therefore followed the Army’s founding by just over a year.