American History Central

An Independent Digital Encyclopedia of United States History

New on American History Central

Civil War Timeline, History, July to December 1862, AHC Original

Civil War, July to December 1862

A timeline of battles and events from July to December1862, the second year of the American Civil War.

Civil War Timeline, History, January to June 1862, AHC Original

Civil War, January to June 1862

A timeline of battles and events from January to June 1862, the second year of the American Civil War.

Battle of Harlem Heights, 1776, Americans Attack British at the Fence

Battle of Harlem Heights

The Battle of Harlem Heights was fought on September 16, 1776, between the United States and Great Britain, during the American Revolutionary War. The outcome was an American victory, proving the Continental Army could stand up to the British Army and allowing it to retain control of Upper Manhattan Island.

Civil War Timeline, History, July to December 1861, AHC Original

Civil War, July to December 1861

A timeline of battles and events from July to December 1861, the first year of the American Civil War.

Civil War Timeline, History, January to June 1861, AHC Original

Civil War, January to June 1861

A timeline of battles and events from January to June 1861, the first year of the American Civil War.

Colonial America and the French and Indian War

Salem Witch Trials, Howard Pyle

Salem Witch Trials (1692–1693)

The famous Witchcraft Crisis took place in Salem Village in 1692–1693.

William Brewster, Painting

Separatists (Pilgrims)

Puritan Separatists — the Pilgrims — left Europe and sailed to America for Religious Freedom.

Battle of Lake George, Johnson Saving Dieskau

Battle of Lake George (1755)

Learn about the intense battle from the French and Indian war that included the Bloody Morning Scout, the Bloody Pond, and the death of King Hendrick.

AmericaN Revolution and the Revolutionary war

Samuel Adams, Painting

Boston Massacre (1770)

When British troops fired into a crowd and killed colonists, Samuel Adams called it “The Boston Massacre.”

General Nathanael Greene, Portrait, Illustration

Nathanael Greene

Greene was a master strategist and a hero who helped lead American forces to a stunning victory in the Southern Theater.

Abraham Whipple, Painting

Gaspee Incident and Affair

The Sons of Liberty nearly started the war with Britain in 1772 when they attacked a British ship, shot a British officer, and burned the ship.

Secession, Civil War, and Reconstruction

Philip Sheridan, General

Battle of Fisher’s Hill

The Union victory at the Battle of Fisher’s Hill opened up the Shenandoah Valley and led to “The Burning,” Philip Sheridan’s scorched earth campaign.

John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln Assassin, Portrait

Lincoln Assassination

On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes struck a blow for the Confederacy when he shot Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theater

Abraham Lincoln, Portrait, Gardner

Emancipation Proclamation

Lincoln’s proclamation freed enslaved people in areas that were in rebellion against the United States.