Washington commissioned Commander in Chief

Washington commissioned Commander in Chief
06/19/1775 AD appointed

The Continental Congress commissioned George Washington as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army on June 19, 1775. Washington was selected over other candidates such as John Hancock based on his previous military experience and the hope that a leader from Virginia could help unite the colonies.

• June 15, 1775 - George Washington was unanimously selected as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army.
• June 16, 1775 - In a speech given to the Continental Congress, Washington accepted the commission and requested that he not receive a salary for his service, only that his expenses be paid at the conclusion of the war.
• June 17, 1775 - The Continental Congress drafted Washington’s commission as Commander in Chief.

Putnam and three others are appointed as major generals under Washington. Of the votes, only Washington and Putnam were unanimous.

Although Lee was generally acknowledged at the Second Continental Congress to be the most capable candidate for the command of the Continental Army, the role was given to George Washington. Lee recognized the sense of giving the position to a native-born American, but expected to be given the role of second-in-command. He was disappointed when that role went to Artemas Ward, whom Lee considered too inexperienced for the job

Lee was appointed Major-General and third in line, but succeeded to second-in-command in 1776 when Ward resigned due to ill health

Philadelphia, PA

Lattitude: 39.9525° N
Longitude: 75.1652° W
Region: North America

Modern Day United States

Events in 1775 MORE