Historical records

January

17 January 1781Battle of CowpensDaniel Morgan

Cowpens · Warfare / American War of Independence

Morgan retreats to Southern Virginia

2 March 1781Congress of NationalGeorge Washington

Warfare / American War of Independence

The National Congress renames itself "The United States in Congress Assembled"

2 March 1781Constitution of USAGeorge Washington

Warfare / American War of Independence

The National Congress renames itself "The United States in Congress Assembled"

2 March 1781Independence of United States of AmericaGeorge Washington

Warfare / American War of Independence

The National Congress renames itself "The United States in Congress Assembled"

19 October 1781Result of Surrender of Cornwallis's Army at YorktownGeorge Washington

Yorktown · Warfare / American War of Independence

The capitulation at Yorktown ends major combat and confirms the collapse of Britain's southern campaign.

19 October 1781Surrender of Cornwallis's Army at YorktownGeorge Washington

Yorktown · Warfare / American War of Independence

Lord Cornwallis surrenders with 7,000 men marking the end of fighting in the war

1781Battle of YorktownGeorge Washington

Yorktown · Warfare / American War of Independence

Yorktown, Virginia, surrenders to Washington & the French fleet

1781Constitution of USAGeorge Washington

Washington · Government / Government of USA

The Articles of Confederation give Congress minimum powers over individual states. Attempts are made to avoid over centralization after independence

1781Secretary of State for WarBenjamin Lincoln

Government / Government of USA

Appointed Secretary of State for War by Congress

1781UnificationGeorge Washington

Government / Government of USA

The Articles of Confederation give Congress minimum powers over individual states