January 1, 2026
January 1776 – American History
In January 1776, the American Revolution heated up with the crucial publication of ThomasPaine's pamphlet, "Common Sense," on January 10th, galvanizing colonial opinion towards independence from Britain.
Meanwhile George Washington's army received a vital boost with the arrival of Henry Knox and artillery from Fort Ticonderoga by January 18th, strengthening their position around Boston. The Continental Congress also acted, publishing the "Tory Act" onJanuary 2nd, to address loyalists, and authorizing the first national memorial for fallen General Richard Montgomery, on January 25th.
- January 2: The Continental Congress issued the "Tory Act," a resolution guiding colonies on how to manage those still loyal to the Crown, aiming to persuade or control them.
- January 10: Thomas Paine's incredibly influential pamphlet, "Common Sense," was published anonymously, making a powerful, persuasive case for complete separation from Britain and swaying public opinion.
- January 13: British forces, attempting to seize sheep on Prudence Island, Rhode Island, were ambushed by local Minutemen, resulting in casualties and a British retreat.
- January 18: Henry Knox arrived in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with heavy artillery, strategically moved from Fort Ticonderoga, which significantly bolstered theContinental Army's capability around Boston.
- January 25: The Continental Congress authorized the first national memorial to honor Brigadier General Richard Montgomery, killed in the failed assault on Quebec in late 1775.
