06/10/2026
Happy Semiquincentennial, America!
As we count down to The Fourth of July 2026, The History Center of San Luis Obispo County wants to celebrate the 250th Birthday of The United States of America with periodic looks at what was happening 250 years ago today:
On June 9, 1776, General George Washington remained in New York City, racing to strengthen defenses as British invasion forces gathered nearby. Facing severe shortages of men, weapons, and supplies, Washington informed General Philip Schuyler that no additional troops could be spared for Fort Ticonderoga. He urged commanders to fortify northern communication posts against attack. Across Manhattan, Continental soldiers tore up streets for barricades, cut timber for defenses, and positioned cannon overlooking the harbor. Reports from Major General Artemas Ward written that day warned that British transports carrying thousands of Scottish troops were sailing toward Boston. Three months later, despite these desperate preparations, the British captured Manhattan after fierce fighting. General Washington lost about 2/3 of the major battles in which he engaged.
And that’s the way it was 250 years ago today.
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Celebrating America’s 250th birthday this July and all year, Happy 250th America!
