1754–1763 - French and Indian War

John Armstrong Jr. was an officer in the Continental Army. He also served as Minister to France and Spain under Thomas Jefferson, and as the Secretary of War under James Madison. During the War for Independence, he may have played a key role in the Newburgh Conspiracy, when officers challenged the authority of Congress.

John Jacob Astor was a German immigrant who came to America and became the wealthiest man in the nation. He was a shrewd, successful businessman, and was primarily involved in real estate and the fur trade. His involvement in the Oregon Territory contributed to America’s fulfillment of Manifest Destiny.

William Bayard, Sr. was a wealthy businessman from New York City. He participated in the Stamp Act Congress in 1765.

Joseph Borden was a politician, law enforcement officer, soldier, and judge from New Jersey. He participated in the Stamp Act Congress in 1765.

Metcalf Bowler was a wealthy businessman and politician from Rhode Island. He participated in the Albany Congress and was a delegate to the Stamp Act Congress. After he died, it was discovered that he sold information to the British near the end of the American Revolutionary War.

George Bryan was a merchant and politician from Pennsylvania. He participated in the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. He was also an early abolitionist and served as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Supreme Court Justice for Pennsylvania.

Samuel Chase is a Founding Father who was a delegate from Maryland to the First Continental Congress and signed the Articles of Association, which set up the Continental Association. He was also elected to the Second Continental Congress, signed the Olive Branch Petition, and signed the Declaration of Independence. Chase is also the only Supreme Court Justice impeached by the House of Representatives.

British Colonies in North America and a guide to each of the 13 Original Colonies, including essential facts, dates, events, and people, plus links to content on American History Central.

John Cruger, Jr. was the Mayor of New York City. He participated in the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. He was also a member of New York’s Committee of Correspondence.

Thomas Cushing was a delegate from Massachusetts to the First Continental Congress and signed the Articles of Association, which set up the Continental Association. He was also elected to the Second Continental Congress and signed the Olive Branch Petition, but did not sign the Declaration of Independence.

Eliphalet Dyer was a lawyer, politician, and judge from Connecticut. He was a delegate to the Stamp Act Congress, the First Continental Congress, the Second Continental Congress, and the Confederation Congress. He also served in the French and Indian War.

Hendrick Fisher was a preacher and politician from New Jersey. He participated in the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. He also led the opposition to the British in New Jersey and played a key role in the Committee of Correspondence, Committee of Safety, and Provincial Congress.

Nathaniel Folsom was a delegate from New Hampshire to the First Continental Congress and signed the Articles of Association, which set up the Continental Association.

General Simon Fraser led British forces during the Saratoga Campaign of 1777. He played a key role in several battles before he was mortally wounded during the Second Battle of Saratoga.

Christopher Gadsden was a successful merchant from Charleston, South Carolina. He is important because he was vocal in his opposition to British laws and participated in many key events that shaped the American Revolution, including the Stamp Act Congress, First Continental Congress, Second Continental Congress, and Constitutional Convention.

The First Great Awakening was a religious movement that took place in the American Colonies during the first part of the 18th century. It is most well-known for creating an emphasis on spiritual devotion, individualism, and freedom that contributed to the ideals of the American Revolution.

The Virginia House of Burgesses was established in 1619 as the first representative government in the British Colonies in North America.

Thomas Hutchinson (1711-1780) was a prominent figure in Massachusetts during the lead-up to the American Revolution. He is most well-known for serving as the Governor of Massachusetts during a significant portion of the American Revolution and the Boston Tea Party