First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The first Continental Congress adjourns in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

American Revolutionary War: the Continental Congress bans trade with Canada.

American Revolutionary War: the Continental Army is established by the Continental Congress, marking the birth of the United States Army.

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

American Revolution: the Virginia Convention instructs its Continental Congress delegation to propose a resolution of independence from Great Britain, paving the way for the United States Declaration of Independence.

Richard Henry Lee presents the "Lee Resolution" to the Continental Congress. The motion is seconded by John Adams and leads to the United States Declaration of Independence.

The Continental Congress appoints Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston to the Committee of Five to draft a declaration of independence.

The Continental Congress officially names its new union of sovereign states the United States.

American Revolutionary War: Marquis de Lafayette lands near Charleston, South Carolina, in order to help the Continental Congress to train its army.

American Revolutionary War: After 16 months of debate the Continental Congress approves the Articles of Confederation.

The Continental Congress votes to ratify both the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance with France. The two treaties are the first entered into by the United States government.

The Continental Congress passes the first budget of the United States.

The Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation.

The Continental Congress enacts the Northwest Ordinance establishing governing rules for the Northwest Territory. It also establishes procedures for the admission of new states and limits the expansion of slavery.