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Events on December 2 in history

USS Alfred (1774)
1775Dec, 2

The USS Alfred becomes the first vessel to fly the Grand Union Flag (the precursor to the Stars and Stripes); the flag is hoisted by John Paul Jones.

Alfred was the merchant vessel Black Prince, named for Edward, the Black Prince, and launched in 1774. The Continental Navy of what would become the United States acquired her in 1775, renamed her Alfred after 9th century English monarch Alfred the Great, and commissioned her as a warship. She participated in two major actions, the battle of Nassau, and the action of 6 April 1776. The Royal Navy captured her in 1778, took her into service as HMS Alfred, and sold her in 1782. She then became the merchantman Alfred, and sailed between London and Jamaica.

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Events on 1775

  • 8Mar

    Abolitionism in the United States

    An anonymous writer, thought by some to be Thomas Paine, publishes "African Slavery in America", the first article in the American colonies calling for the emancipation of slaves and the abolition of slavery.
  • 18Apr

    Battles of Lexington and Concord

    American Revolution: The British advancement by sea begins; Paul Revere and other riders warn the countryside of the troop movements.
  • 19Apr

    Battles of Lexington and Concord

    American Revolutionary War: The war begins with an American victory in Concord during the battles of Lexington and Concord.
  • 17Jun

    Battle of Bunker Hill

    American Revolutionary War: Colonists inflict heavy casualties on British forces while losing the Battle of Bunker Hill.
  • 3Jul

    George Washington

    American Revolutionary War: George Washington takes command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts.