George Washington became commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
The Second Continental Congress elected Washington unanimously on June 15, 1775, one day after voting to establish the army. Washington had military experience from the French and Indian War and was a prominent Virginia delegate, making him an acceptable leader for forces drawn from different colonies.
Washington commanded the Continental Army throughout the Revolutionary War. His role involved more than battlefield leadership: he managed supplies, discipline, recruitment, alliances, and the difficult task of keeping a largely volunteer army together over several years.
The Continental Army should not be confused with the separate state militias that also fought the British. The Continental force was organized by Congress for common defense, while militia units were raised and controlled by individual colonies or states. The modern U.S. Army traces its institutional birthday to June 14, 1775.