During the American War of Independence, George Washington was the military leader of the Patriot side.
After the patriot defeat in Lexington and the victory in Concord in April 1775, Washington appeared in the Continental Congress in military uniform, noting that he was prepared for armed struggle. Washington had the prestige, experience, charisma and bearing of any great military commander and was known for his reputation as a strong patriot, and the southern colonies, especially Virginia, supported him. Although he did not explicitly seek the position of commander and even claimed that he was not qualified for it, there was no serious competition for the position.
Washington effectively assumed command of the Continental Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in July 1775, during the Siege of Boston.