On this day in 1776, a key event marked the opening phase of the Revolutionary War took place: General George Washington ordered American artillery forces to bombard Boston from their positions at Lechmere Point ahead of the Continental Army's occupation of Dorchester Heights. The so-called Siege of Boston began after the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Following two consecutive days of bombardment, American Brigadier General John Thomas positioned 2,000 cannons, artillery, and troops just south of Boston at Dorchester Heights. By March 5, 1776, the Continental Army's had artillery troops in position around Boston, including the elevated position at Dorchester Heights. British General William Howe came to the realization that Boston was indefensible to the American positions and opted to leave the city on March 7. Ten days later, on March 17, the eight-year British occupation of Boston finally ended when British troops fled the city and sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia. ...

Many people know that Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel, but do you know that he was arrested on this day in 1807 on charges of plotting to annex Spanish territory in Louisiana and Mexico to be used toward the establishment of an independent republic? Indeed, Burr traveled to New Orleans after finishing his term as Thomas Jefferson's vice president (1801-1805) and met with U.S. General James Wilkinson, who was an agent for the Spanish. Details on what the two plotted is unknown, but historians speculate it may have included the establishment of an independent republic in the American Southwest or the seizure of territory in Spanish America for the same purpose. In the fall of 1806, Burr led a group of well-armed colonists toward New Orleans, leading to an immediate investigation by U.S. authorities. General Wilkinson got cold feet and decided to turn against Burr, sending dispatches to Washington accusing the former vice president of treason. On February 19, 1807...

On this day in 1776, during the American Revolution, General George Washington crosses the Delaware River with over 5,000 troops in hopes of surprising a Hessian force celebrating Christmas at their winter quarters in Trenton, New Jersey. The unorthodox attack followed several months of decisive defeats for Washington’s army that had resulted in the loss of New York City and other strategic points in the region. At about 11 p.m. on Christmas, Washington’s army began its crossing of the half-frozen river at three locations. The 2,400 soldiers led by Washington successfully braved the icy and freezing river and reached the New Jersey side of the Delaware right before dawn. The other two divisions, comprised of approximately 3,000 men and crucial artillery, was unable to reach the meeting point at the designated time. At approximately 8 a.m. on the morning of December 26, Washington’s remaining force, separated into two columns, reached the outskirts of Trenton and descended upon th...