Events in 1776

August 2, 1776

Declaration of Independence Signing

On August 2, 1776, the majority of 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia's Independence Hall, though the document was officially adopted on July 4th. The signing process continued through January 1777, with some delegates adding their signatures months after the initial ceremony.

December 25, 1776

Washington's Delaware River Crossing

On Christmas night 1776, General George Washington led 2,400 Continental Army troops across the ice-filled Delaware River in a daring surprise attack that changed the course of the American Revolution. The crossing resulted in a decisive victory at the Battle of Trenton, capturing 900 Hessian soldiers.