| 1750 |
|
Over a million people live in colonial America.. |
| 1751 |
 |
The first sugar cane is grown in America, introduced into Louisiana by Catholic missionaries from San Domingo. It is used to make rum. |
| 1752 |
|
The first general hospital opens in Philadelphia, offering medical care to people who are ill--except for those with an incurable or infectious disease.
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|  |
Benjamin Franklin flies a kite during a thunderstorm to prove that lightning is electricity. |
| 1753 |
|
John Schulyer brings the first steam engine in America to his New Jersey copper mine and uses it to pump water from the mine. |
| 1754 |
|
The French and Indian War begins as Britain declares war on France in the American colonies. |
|
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Benjamin Bannecker, an African American, makes the first clock built entirely in America. |
| 1755 |
|
British General Edward Braddock is mortally wounded in a French and Indian ambush near Fort Duquesne in western Pennsylvania. Twenty-three year-old George Washington assumes command of the retreating army of British and colonial troops. |
| 1756 |
|
The French under General Montcalm capture and destroy British colonial Fort Oswego in New York. |
| 1757 |
 |
Whale oil lamps street lamps, designed by Benjamin Franklin, are installed on a few streets in Philadelphia. |
| 1758 |
|
British troops drive the French from Fort Duquesne, which they rename Pittsburgh. |
| 1759 |
|
The French at Quebec, Canada surrender to the British. |
