The heart of the American rebellion during the fight for independence was found not in major cities like New York or Philadelphia, nor in specific geographic areas like the Hudson corridor. Instead, it resided within the Continental Army, which served as the pivotal force for the revolution. This army was the key to uniting the colonies and sustaining the struggle against British rule.

Joseph J. Ellis, in his book "Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence," emphasizes the significance of the Continental Army as the core of the revolutionary movement. By rallying support and maintaining a fighting spirit, the army became essential in shaping the course of the struggle for independence, making it a strategic center that defined the rebellion itself.