This year, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence, the Declaration of Independence and the end of British rule over the American Colonies. On July 4, 1776, the Delegates to the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. This is why we celebrate the birth of our nation on July 4 th each year.

The Revolutionary War started on June 17, 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. The last Battle at Yorktown, VA. on October 19, 1781 with the defeat and surrender of Cornwallis.

Even though the biggest part of Georgia was still wilderness, Indian Territory and unsettled, the Revolutionary War came to Georgia with Battles being fought along our border with South Carolina and along the coast of Georgia.

Georgia was the last of the original thirteen colonies to be established and the last to become involved in the American Revolution against the British “Taxation without representation.”

War came to Georgia as early as 1778 with the Fall of Savannah to the British on December 29, 1778. The other battles in Georgia were: the Battle of Kettle Creek on February 13, 1779; the Battle of Briar Creek on March 3, 1779; the Fall of Augusta in May of 1779; the siege of Savannah September-October 1779 with the actual Battle on October 8, 1779 with the defeat of American Forces; the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1779 and the backcountry fighting continued against the British and in April 1781, Elijah Clark recaptures Augusta and the British withdraw to Savannah.

On March 4, 1782, in England, the House of Commons votes to end the war. On April 12, 1782, Peace Talks begin in Paris.

On July 11, 1782, the British evacuate Savannah for the last time.

On September 3, 1783, the “Treaty of Paris” was signed putting an end to the war and recognized American independence, as well as, ending the British Rule in the Colonies.

There were three signers of the Declaration of Independence from Georgia. Button Gwinnett (1735-1777), born in England, emigrated to Georgia in 1765 and is buried in the Colonial Cemetery, Savannah. Lyman Hall (1724-1790), born in Connecticut, emigrate to South Carolina in 1756 then to Georgia in 1758 and is buried in Signer’s Monument in Augusta. George Walton (1741-1804) born in Virginia, moved to Savannah in 1769 and is buried in Signer’s Monument in Augusta. All three men have GA Counties named in their honor.

As we continue to celebrate America’s Independence, we should always remember, and be thankful, that our ‘Founding Fathers’ had the forethought, courage and conviction that we should, as a people, be free from British Rule and forage our own unique nation and country. Also, for all those who fought for those rights then and continue to do so today.

Acknowledgement goes to the following resources for the information, time lines and map used in this article – Thank you:

Georgia and the Revolution, Ronald G. Killion and Charles T. Waller Atlanta Cherokee Publishing Company, 1975.

Georgia’s Revolutionary War Trail, 1775 – 1783, “Discovering Our Heritage and History”, Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution and the Georgia Explore Georgia Tourism.

And www.Wikipedia.org for additional information

The above book and pamphlets are on file in the Research Library Room at the museum.