Here is the Military Channel's list of top ten Revolutionary War facts
- The Battle of Bunker Hill Wasn't Fought at Bunker Hill
They fought The Battle of Bunker Hill on Breed’s Hill.
2. George Washington Lost More Battles Than He Won
His overall strategy of avoiding decisive battles, engaging in guerrilla warfare, and protracting the war, led the Americans to victory.
3. The Phrase "Keep Me Posted" Comes from the Colonial Era
In Colonial days, someone would physically tack a bit of news to a wooden post.
4. Without Benedict Arnold, Colonists May Have Lost the Revolutionary War
Without Arnold’s leadership, the British might have gained control of the Hudson River, enabling them to cut off New England from the rest of the Colonies. His decisive victory also convinced the French to join the war effort
5. Women Saw Action During the War … Sort Of
It was a very hot day in June when troops fought The Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey. Mary Hays McCauly, was distributing water to the Continental troops on the battlefield. The men called her Molly Pitcher. After the enemy shot her husband, Molly dropped her pitcher, picked up his weapon, and took his place on the gun crew.
6. The First Submarine Attack Occurred During the Revolutionary War
Submarine warfare began in 1776 with the Turtle. Powered by pedal and lit from within by glowing mushrooms, the craft was supposed to drill into British ships and plant explosives. One problem: the drill was not sharp enough. The submersible was lost when the ship transporting it sunk.
7. Paul Revere Didn’t Make His Famous Ride Alone
William Dawes was also on a mission to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that British troops were marching to arrest them. He left Boston shortly before Revere and took a different route.
Once both Dawes and Revere made it safely to Lexington, a third man, Dr. Samuel Prescott, joined them for the trip to Concord. A British patrol stopped all three men. Dawes and Prescott escaped and Prescott went on to Concord. Revere never made it.
8. Independence Day Should Be July 2
The Continental Congress actually voted for independence on July 2.
9. The French Really Helped the Colonists Win the War
The French supplied the Colonies with 90 percent of their gunpowder, a Navy and trained soldiers.
It was those French soldiers, along with the Navy, that led to a victory at the Battle of Yorktown, the last major battle of the war.
10. It Was Not Really That Cold at Valley Forge
In reality, it was average weather for the season that George Washington and his Continental army camped at Valley Forge. For many of the soldiers, it was their first winter with an army. They did not have enough food or proper shelter.
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