1777 Facts for Kids

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	17th century – 18th century – 19th century
Decades:	1740s 1750s 1760s – 1770s – 1780s 1790s 1800s
Years:	1774 1775 1776 – 1777 – 1778 1779 1780

The year 1777 was a very important time, especially for the United States. It was a key year during the American Revolutionary War, when the American colonies fought for their freedom from Great Britain. Many big battles happened, and important decisions were made that shaped the future of the new country.

Key Events of 1777
- Battles for Freedom
- Shaping the New Nation
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Key Events of 1777

Battles for Freedom

The American Revolutionary War was in full swing during 1777. American soldiers, led by George Washington, fought bravely against the British army.

Victory at Princeton

On January 3, General George Washington led his American troops to a big win against British General Charles Cornwallis at the Battle of Princeton. This victory boosted the spirits of the American soldiers.

General George Washington was a key leader in the American Revolution.

Lafayette Arrives

A young French nobleman, the Marquis de Lafayette, arrived in America on June 13. He landed near Charleston, South Carolina. Lafayette came to help the Continental Congress (the American government at the time) train its army. He became a very important friend to the American cause.

The Stars and Stripes

On June 14, a very special day, the Continental Congress officially chose the Stars and Stripes as the flag for the new United States. This flag became a symbol of American freedom.

Battle of Bennington

On August 16, British forces faced a defeat by American troops at the Battle of Bennington. This was another important win for the Americans.

First Flag in Battle

The American flag was flown in battle for the very first time on September 3. This happened during a small fight called the Cooch's Bridge skirmish in Delaware.

Brandywine and Germantown

The British had some victories too. On September 11, they won a major battle at Battle of Brandywine in Pennsylvania. Later, on October 4, British troops under Sir William Howe pushed back George Washington's forces at the Battle of Germantown.

Turning Point at Saratoga

The Battle of Saratoga was a huge turning point in the war. It actually involved two main battles. The first was on September 19, sometimes called the Battle of Freeman's Farm. Then, on October 17, American troops achieved a major victory over the British at Saratoga. This win was so important because it convinced France to officially join the war and help the Americans.

The British surrender at Saratoga was a major turning point.

Shaping the New Nation

Besides the battles, 1777 was also a year of important political steps for the new country.

Vermont's Independence

On January 16, Vermont declared itself independent from New York. It became its own country for a while, before joining the United States as the 14th state in 1791.

Articles of Confederation

After many months of discussion, the Continental Congress approved the Articles of Confederation on November 15. This was the first plan for how the United States government would work. It was like an early constitution. On November 17, these Articles were sent to all the states to be approved.