R.L. Ely

George Washington Born: 2/22/1732 Died: 12/14/1799 Appointed as Commander-in-chief of American revolutionary forces in 1775 Became first President of the United States in 1789

Henry Knox Born: 7/25/1750 Died: 10/25/1806 Military strategist for Washington from 1775 to 1781 Directed the famous “crossing of the Delaware” Became first U.S. Secretary of War

The “crossing of the Delaware” on December 25, 1776 provided a much needed morale boost to the American soldiers. The feat would not have been possible without the combined efforts of Washington and Knox.

William Prescott Born: 2/20/1726 Died: 10/13/1795 Led American forces in the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775 Colonists held off two waves of British attacks before falling. The battle served as a moral victory, showing the Americans that they could compete with the British. Statue of Prescott at the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill

Samuel Adams Born: 9/27/1722 Died: 10/2/1803 Signer of the Declaration of Independence Strong opponent of British taxation of the colonies

Daniel Morgan Born: 7/6/1736 Died: 7/5/1802 Led “Morgan’s Sharpshooters” rifle unit as part of the Continental Army Led American forces to victory at the Battle of Cowpens

American Commanders by Home Colony