Today in Johnson City History, Thursday, June 19, 2025
Washington's commission, the National Soldiers' Home and more
Monday, June 19, 1775: Two hundred and fifty years ago today, “George Washington received his commission as commander in chief of the Continental army from the delegates assembled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Virginian, 43-years old at the time, embarked on a trip north to the assembled forces besieging the British around Boston, Massachusetts. Arriving in Cambridge, Massachusetts to take formal field command on July 2, 1775, Washington held command until independence was won, resigning his commission to the Continental Congress in Annapolis, Maryland, two days before Christmas in 1783. His ability to see the big picture and evolve his strategy on how to successfully navigate and ultimately win the American Revolution proved to be one of his strongest leadership traits during the eight-years in command.