June 14, 1775, marks the founding of the U.S. Army, whose 250th anniversary preceded America250.
The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War. Congress selected George Washington as commander in chief two weeks later, on June 19, and he formally accepted the command on June 20.
The Army’s 250th anniversary in 2025 formed part of the wider sequence of commemorations leading toward the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. The Army is the oldest of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The date is sometimes confused with October 13, 1775, the founding date of the Continental Navy, or July 4, 1776, the adoption date of the Declaration of Independence. Those are separate milestones. The Army’s birthday specifically recalls Congress’s creation of the Continental Army.