100 Milestone Documents of US History

On June 7, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, introduced this resolution in the Second Continental Congress proposing independence for the American colonies.

The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4. It was engrossed on parchment and on August 2, 1776, delegates began signing it

After considerable debate and alteration, the Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777.

The American Colonies and France signed this military treaty on February 6, 1778.

After undergoing numerous changes, on June 20, 1782, the seal was officially adopted by the Continental Congress.

This treaty, signed on Sep 3, 1783, between the American colonies and Great Britain, ended the Revolution and recognized the United States as independent

Drafted by James Madison, and presented by Edmund Randolph to the Constitutional Convention on May 29, 1787.

Officially titled An Ordinance for the Government of the Territory of the United States North-West of the River Ohio, it was passed on July 13, 1787.

Drafted in secret by delegates to the Constitutional Convention during the summer of 1787, this document established the government of the United States.

Series of essays published in newspapers in 1787 & 1788 by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to promote the ratification of the Constitution

Although not required by the Constitution, George Washington presented the first Presidential inaugural address on April 30, 1789

One of the first acts of the new Congress was to establish a Federal court system through the Judiciary Act signed by President Washington on Sep 24, 1789

Although 12 amendments were originally proposed, the 10 that were ratified became the Bill of Rights in 1791

Designed to separate cotton fiber from seed, Whitney's cotton gin introduced a new, profitable technology to agricultural production in America.

In his farewell Presidential address, George Washington advised American citizens to view themselves as a cohesive unit and avoid political parties.

In preparation for anticipated war with France, these Acts tightened restrictions on foreign-born Americans and limited speech critical of the Government.

In this secret message of January 18, 1803, President Jefferson asked Congress for $2,500 to explore the West-all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

In this transaction with France, signed April 30, the United States purchased 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River for $15 million.

This Supreme Court Case established the right of the courts to determine the constitutionality of the actions of the other two branches of government.

This treaty, signed on December 24, 1814, ended the War of 1812, fought between Great Britain and the United States.