Patriot, The

Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold (while he was still fighting as a patriot) captured Fort Ticonderoga - AND its weapon supplies - without a single casualty. General Henry Knox, a close associate of General Washington, took charge of transporting the much-needed artillery on sleds, traveling 300 miles to Boston during the dead of winter.

At about the time Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen took weapons from Ft. Ticonderoga, the Continental Congress established the U.S. Navy (on November 28, 1775). Admiral Esex Hopkins was the first (and only) Commander-in-Chief of the American "fleet" (six war vessels).

The first battleship ever owned by America was the U.S.S. Alfred (formerly a 24-gun private vessel known as the Black Prince). Taking command of the Alfred on December 3, 1775, Lt. John Paul Jones raised a thirteen-striped flag representing the thirteen colonies. It is known today as the "Grand Union Flag."

With additional weapons and a new Continental Navy, the thirteen colonies ended 1775 still owned by Britain. Within months, however, they would formally declare their independence from George III.