As Hessians arrive off the coast of Staten Island (7/4/76), John Adams finally convinces Congress that independence is the only answer to the colonies’ problems.  They ask Thomas Jefferson to write the first draft of a “Declaration of Independence.”  Shortly after the Declaration is signed on July 4th, a massive British fleet enters New York harbor.  Ben Franklin realizes that "we must hang together or we will surely hang separately.” James learns about the tremendous power of words.

June 28, 1778 --  The Battle of Monmouth Courthouse was the last major engagement of the northern theater of the American War of Independence, and the largest one-day battle of the war pitting General George Washington's Valley Forge trained Army in pitched open battle against the rear of British General Sir Henry Clinton as his Army left Monmouth Court House.

Does your child know about the amazing women of the Revolutionary War? In this episode, Leo and Layla travel back in time to meet Mary Ludwig Hays, the woman behind the legend of “Molly Pitcher,” and find out how integral women were to the founding of our great nation.Does your child know about the amazing women of the Revolutionary War? In this episode, Leo and Layla travel back in time to meet Mary Ludwig Hays, the woman behind the legend of “Molly Pitcher,” and find out how integral women were to the founding of our great nation.

Mel Fisher dedicates his entire life and savings to finding the Spanish galleon, Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Can his optimism prevail where the odds are against him? Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Matt Lewis and more. 

From priceless unknown tombs to sunken treasure worth billions of dollars. Discover these 10 biggest treasure discoveries that left the whole world amazed, in this episode of History Countdown. Join us as we explain the wildest, weirdest, most shocking moments of all time in History Countdown.