What Happened in 1777 — Events, Births & Deaths

American Revolutionary War: American forces under the command of General George Washington repulse a British attack led by General Charles Cornwallis at the Battle of the Assunpink Creek near Trenton, New Jersey.

American Revolutionary War: American forces are ambushed and defeated in the Battle of Bound Brook, New Jersey.

The U.S. Second Continental Congress passes a resolution that the services of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette "be accepted, and that, in consideration of his zeal, illustrious family and connexions, he have the rank and commission of major-general of the United States."

American Revolutionary War: The bloody Battle of Oriskany prevents American relief of the Siege of Fort Stanwix.

American Revolutionary War: British troops capture and begin the occupation of Philadelphia, which had been serving as the American capital city, during the Philadelphia campaign.

American Revolutionary War: Troops under George Washington are repelled by British troops under William Howe.

American Revolutionary War: British forces capture Forts Clinton and Montgomery on the Hudson River.

San Jose, California, is founded as Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe by José Joaquín Moraga. It is the first civilian settlement, or pueblo, in Alta California.

Virginia becomes the first state to ratify the Articles of Confederation.

The United States celebrates its first Thanksgiving, marking the recent victory by the American rebels over British General John Burgoyne at Saratoga in October.