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Video: 'John Adams Suggests Mass. Militas Join Together to Create Continental Army' (June 14, 1775, at 8:57

(Wednesday, June 14, 1775; during the American Revolutionary War, part of the American Revolution) — The Second Continental Congress voted today to form the Continental Army, unifying colonial militias under a single command to defend against British forces.

Meeting in what is now called Independence Hall, delegates agreed to adopt existing patriot troops already positioned outside Boston and New York—an estimated 22,000 and 5,000 soldiers, respectively.

The resolution also authorized the recruitment of ten companies of riflemen from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. These troops, enlisted for one year, will serve as light infantry. Pennsylvania’s contingent would later become the 1st Continental Regiment, formally recognized in January 1776.

The move marks a pivotal step in organizing the colonies for coordinated military action as tensions with Britain escalate into open conflict.