1776:	American colonies declare their independence from Great Britain
1777:	John Paul Jones hoists first Stars and Stripes flag on Ranger at Portsmouth, NH.
1801:	First Presidential Review of U.S. Marine Band and Marines at the White House.
1831:	U.S. concludes indemnity treaty with France.
1842:	First test of electrically operated underwater torpedo sinks gunboat Boxer
1863:	Confederates surrender of Vicksburg, MS, gives Union control of Mississippi River.