George Washington did not sign the Declaration of Independence. While the Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia, Washington and his forces were in New York.
The Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776. Two days later on July 4, a declaration explaining the reasons for independence, largely written by Thomas Jefferson, was adopted. Washington received an official notification via a letter dated July 6 from John Hancock, the president of the Continental Congress, along with a copy of the declaration.
Alerting the Troops
On the evening of July 9, 1776, thousands of Continental soldiers marched to the parade grounds in Lower Manhattan. General Washington had ordered them to assemble promptly at six o'clock to hear a declaration approved by the Continental Congress calling for American independence from Great Britain.
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The Declaration of Independence
On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to dissolve the connection between "this country" and Great Britain, declaring the "United Colonies of North America" to be free and independent states.
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Revolutionary War Battles
Congress created the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, and John Adams nominated George Washington to serve as the army's Commander-in-Chief. Washington fought in almost two dozen skirmishes and battles during the American Revolution.
Learn moreGeorge Washington is appointed by Congress as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army
Attending the Second Continental Congress in military uniform, George Washington was appointed as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army by his fellow congressmen.