July 3, 1775: Despite being commissioned by the Continental Congress as Commander in Chief on June 19, 1775, George Washington didn’t assume command of the Continental Army until he reached Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 3. He was selected over other candidates, such as John Hancock, based on his military experience and being from Virginia.
George Washington’s Commission as Commander in Chief
The Continental Congress commissioned George Washington as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army on June 19, 1775. Washington was selected over other candidates such as John Hancock based on his previous military experience and the hope that a leader from Virginia could help unite the colonies. Washington left for Massachusetts within days of receiving his commission and assumed command of the Continental Army in Cambridge on July 3, 1775. After eight years of war, Washington resigned his commission as Commander in Chief on December 23, 1783.