United States History On This Date: June 22nd

1775 — George Washington Takes Command of the Continental Army

The Continental Congress formally presented George Washington with his commission as commander‑in‑chief, entrusting him with the daunting task of organizing colonial militias into a unified fighting force. Washington accepted without salary, emphasizing duty over reward. His appointment signaled a shift from protest to organized resistance, as the colonies prepared for a long struggle against British authority. The moment marked the birth of a national army and set Washington on the path that would define both the Revolution and the emerging American identity.

1864 — Grant and Lee Clash at the Battle of Jerusalem Plank Road

Union forces under General Winfield Scott Hancock attempted to cut the Weldon Railroad south of Petersburg, hoping to sever a vital Confederate supply line. Lee’s troops responded swiftly, launching counterattacks that forced the Federals back from their gains. Though the Union failed to secure the railroad, the fighting demonstrated Grant’s relentless pressure on Confederate defenses. The engagement foreshadowed the grinding attrition that would define the Petersburg Campaign, as both armies endured heat, exhaustion, and constant skirmishing in the tightening noose around Richmond.

1870 — Congress Creates the Department of Justice

Congress established the Department of Justice to centralize federal legal authority, streamline prosecution, and strengthen enforcement of national laws during Reconstruction. The new department, led by the Attorney General, played a crucial role in combating Ku Klux Klan violence and protecting civil rights in the postwar South. Its creation reflected the federal government’s expanding responsibilities in an era of constitutional amendments, contested elections, and rising interstate commerce. The DOJ quickly became an essential pillar of national governance, shaping the legal landscape of modern America.

1944 — GI Bill Signed Into Law

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act — the GI Bill — providing veterans with education benefits, low‑interest home loans, and unemployment support. The legislation transformed American society by opening college doors to millions and fueling a postwar housing boom. It also reshaped the nation’s workforce, expanding the middle class and accelerating suburban growth. Though implementation was uneven across racial lines, the GI Bill remains one of the most influential social programs in U.S. history, redefining opportunity for an entire generation of returning soldiers.

1990 — Checkpoint Charlie Closes in Berlin

The iconic Cold War crossing point between East and West Berlin officially closed as Germany moved toward reunification. For decades, Checkpoint Charlie had symbolized the division of Europe, the tension between superpowers, and the human cost of the Berlin Wall. Its closure marked a profound shift in global politics, signaling the collapse of Soviet influence and the triumph of democratic movements across Eastern Europe. Crowds gathered to witness the moment, celebrating the end of an era defined by separation, surveillance, and ideological confrontation.

The name Checkpoint Charlie came from the NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie). After the border crossings at Helmstedt-Marienborn (Alpha) and Dreilinden-Drewitz (Bravo), Checkpoint Charlie was the third checkpoint opened by the Allies in and around Berlin.