Founding the Nation Trail

When war broke out between the British/American colonies and the British in Massachusetts in 1775, the New England militia confronted the British soldiers/regulars in the fight for independence. Established on June 14, 1775, the Continental Army provided the nucleus around which local militia units would form. Led by Gen. George Washington, the Americans/Continentals/Continental Army won the war of independence after eight long years of fighting.  Later, as a sovereign nation, the United States faced the British again in the War of 1812. The U. S. Army ‘s conduct in the war earned the respect of other nations and inspired a newfound sense of national pride.