1777
British General John Burgoyne submitted a formal strategic plan to the British government in London intended to end the rebellion. Burgoyne proposed a three-pronged invasion to capture the Hudson River valley. By seizing control of this corridor from Canada to New York City, the British aimed to physically isolate the “rebellious” New England colonies from the rest of the American states. Although initially successful with the capture of Fort Ticonderoga later that year, the plan ultimately led to Burgoyne's catastrophic defeat and surrender at Saratoga in October 1777.
1779
During the war, the American frontier continued to expand. On this day, Fort Nashborough was established on the banks of the Cumberland River in what was then part of North Carolina. The settlement was named after Revolutionary War General Francis Nash, who died at the Battle of Germantown. Following the war, the “borough” suffix was dropped to remove British linguistic ties, and the settlement was renamed Nashville.
1781
Following the execution of two mutiny leaders the previous day (January 27), the Continental Army focused on restoring order. After General Robert Howe successfully suppressed the New Jersey Line Mutiny at Pompton (modern-day Bloomingdale), January 28 was dedicated to reintegrating the chastened troops. General George Washington used this day to emphasize that while the earlier Pennsylvania mutiny ended in negotiation, future revolts would be met with “unconditional submission” and force. Officers began the process of identifying loyal soldiers for rewards while formalizing the pardons for the rank-and-file who had returned to their duty.