1774 First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1774 The first Continental Congress adjourns in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1775 American Revolutionary War: the Continental Congress bans trade with Canada.
1775 American Revolutionary War: the Continental Army is established by the Continental Congress, marking the birth of the United States Army.
1775 The Olive Branch Petition is signed by the Continental Congress of the Thirteen Colonies.
1776 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.
1776 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.
1776 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.
1776 The Continental Congress officially names its new union of sovereign states the United States.
1777 American Revolutionary War: Marquis de Lafayette lands near Charleston, South Carolina, in order to help the Continental Congress to train its army.
1777 American Revolutionary War: After 16 months of debate the Continental Congress approves the Articles of Confederation.
1778 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.
1778 The Continental Congress passes the first budget of the United States.
1781 The Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation.
1787 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.