May 1787

Sunday 13:

Captain Arthur Phillip leaves Portsmouth, England with eleven ships full of convicts to establish a penal colony in Australia.

Monday 14:

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, delegates begin to meet to write a new Constitution for the United States.

Thursday 24:

The United States Constitutional Convention is convened after a quorum of delegates arrives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Friday 25:

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, delegates convene a Constitutional Convention to write a new Constitution for the United States. George Washington presides.