Outline- the bones of the paper

So this past week was all about constructing an effective outline. At first I was somewhat concerned with this. My sources have been like a puzzle and putting them together has been more difficult than I had originally imagined. As I began to make a very rough outline, it seemed like my paper was finally taking shape. I found a path in which to follow and it, so far, has no led me astray. My primary sources, one being a recent and important find, have grown into a substantial outline.
My thesis, 'Taverns, along with coffee houses, throughout the colonies during the years of 1650-1789, were at the social, cultural and political center of the community and this centrality was the key aspect of fostering ideas that sparked and fueled the American Revolution' is close to being completely finalized. There may be some minor word tweaking when writing the final paper, but for now this is my thesis.
I broke my paper up into four major categories: taverns and coffee houses as the only public space in town, taverns and coffee houses as 'news hubs', taverns and coffee houses as meeting places (for any type of event), taverns and coffee houses as revolutionary establishments. All of these categories includes a build up to the American Revolution, as well as, establishing a relationship between the tavern and patron.
My outline has flourished under these categories. I can finally see my paper through all the smoke.
I do have to say that one of my biggest breakthroughs came late. I recently found a diary of Christopher Marshall that has been influential in supporting my thesis. He has been one of the strongest 'characters' of my outline because he details the on-goings of public life, taverns/coffee houses, and how they were influential. For example, "[October 18, 1775] Near twelve, went to the Committee Room, at the Coffee House, being on the committee for settling the conditions of security for vessels taking provisions from one colony to another" (Marshall, 48). This quote exemplifies what is happening in the Revolutionary War, how he impacting it, where they are discussing, what they are discussing and at what time. This small quote speaks volumes to what is happening to the world outside and yet he details where, when and why this committee chose to meet in a coffee house.
This past week has been an effective one for me because the outline has really shown me what my paper can become.