What Happened in 1775 — Events, Births & Deaths

The British East India Company factory on Balambangan Island is destroyed by Moro pirates.

An anonymous writer, thought by some to be Thomas Paine, publishes "African Slavery in America", the first article in the American colonies calling for the emancipation of slaves and the abolition of slavery.

American Revolution: The British Army advances up the Charles River in Massachusetts to destroy supplies of American militias, while Paul Revere and other riders rapidly warn the countryside.

American Revolutionary War: The war begins during the Battles of Lexington and Concord with a victory of American minutemen and other militia over British forces, later referred to as the "shot heard round the world".

American Revolutionary War: Following the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Siege of Boston begins with American militias blocking land access to the British-held city.

American Revolutionary War: George Washington takes command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Olive Branch Petition is signed by the Continental Congress of the Thirteen Colonies of North America.

Founding of the U.S. Army Medical Department: The Second Continental Congress passes legislation establishing "an hospital for an army consisting of 20,000 men."

American Revolutionary War: Ethan Allen surrenders to British forces after attempting to capture Montreal in the Battle of Longue-Pointe during the invasion of Quebec.

American Revolutionary War: Benedict Arnold's expedition to Quebec sets off to join the American invasion.

The Continental Congress establishes the Continental Navy (predecessor of the United States Navy).

African-American poet Phillis Wheatley is freed from slavery.

American Revolutionary War: The Burning of Falmouth (now Portland, Maine).

At Fort Ticonderoga, Henry Knox begins his historic transport of artillery to Cambridge, Massachusetts.