Nestled amidst the iconic Dorchester Heights neighborhood of South Boston is a prominent hill that once served a crucial role in American history. In fact, the commanding heights offered an unparalleled view of Boston Harbor and the city below, which made it a key strategic point during the early months of 1776. Thanks to the…
Author: murphym1776
The Battle of Camden
The Battle of Camden was fought on August 16th, 1780, and was one of the worst defeats suffered by the Continental Army in the southern theater during the Revolutionary War (it is also considered to be the high-water mark of British control in the south). This devastating loss all but destroyed the army under the…
Munroe Tavern (Lexington, MA)
Dozens of taverns dotted the Massachusetts landscape in the 18th-century to serve locals, travelers, and drovers alike. One such tavern that has lasted the test of time, particularly due to its historical significance, is Munroe Tavern. This iconic red public house was at the center of action on the afternoon of April 19, 1775, when…
General Nathanael Greene Homestead (Coventry, RI)
“Spell Hall” was the homestead of Nathanael Greene, a Rhode Island native and Major General in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Due to his bookish intelligence and straightforward leadership, Greene quickly rose in the ranks of the nascent American Army and by war’s end, was George Washington’s most trusted general and the…
Battleship Cove (Fall River, MA)
Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts is one of the premier naval museums in the world. With multiple ships, boats, a submarine, and of course, the massive battleship USS Massachusetts (BB-59) on display, a visit to Battleship Cove is sure to be an educational and memorable experience. Be sure to put on your best walking…
West Point and the Great Chain in the American Revolution
During the American Revolutionary War, the Hudson River was considered the most crucial waterway in the colonies. West Point (where the United States Military Academy now stands) quickly became a critical outpost and series of fortifications designed to prevent British ships from passing up the river and ensure American dominance of the Hudson. It was…
New Windsor Winter Encampment (1782-1783)
By the winter of 1782-1783, the American Revolutionary War was winding down- yet it was not over. After the Franco-American victory over General Cornwallis’ army at Yorktown in October 1781, the Continental Army returned to positions outside of New York City to keep watch over the British Army stationed there. As peace talks in Paris…
Buckman Tavern (Lexington, MA)
Buckman Tavern in historic Lexington, Massachusetts has proudly stood on Lexington Green for over 300 years. While it is best known for its role during the action that took place in the early morning hours of April 19, 1775, the tavern has served as a staple for the local population and travelers for centuries. Today,…
Granary Burying Ground (Boston, MA)
The Granary Burying Ground in Boston, Massachusetts is one of the most historic cemeteries in the United States. It serves as the final resting place for some of America’s brightest political and philosophic minds, to include early leaders of Boston and the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Today, this renowned cemetery is one of the most popular…
Old Fort Western (Augusta, ME)
Old Fort Western in beautiful Augusta, Maine has occupied the eastern bank of the Kennebec River since 1754 and proved to be a crucial outpost in the American wilderness for decades. From ancient trade with Native peoples to serving as a critical military location and rendezvous point, Old Fort Western has survived over 250 years…
Old South Meeting House (Boston, MA)
The Old South Meeting House is one of the most iconic buildings in Boston and truly a historic American treasure. Although it is a museum today, it once echoed with exhortations from some of the most important orators of the revolutionary era and served as a crucial public meeting place for decades. So whether you…
Old State House (Boston, MA)
One of the most iconic buildings along Boston’s Freedom Trail is the Old State House. This remarkable colonial-era structure has been at the center of Boston’s early history- from the tragic “Boston Massacre,” a historic reading of the Declaration of Independence, to simply serving as a symbol of colonial governance. Today, the Old State House…
Green End Fort (Middletown, RI)
Newport, Rhode Island has long been considered a crucial seaport and throughout the American Revolution, the strategic city was occupied by both the British and French Armies. As part of these occupations, both sides built fortifications on the outskirts of town to prepare for a possible attack from the enemy. But while most earthen fortifications…
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (Concord, MA)
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts is one of the most beautiful and historic cemeteries in New England. Amidst its ancient trees and rolling hills are countless souls that include Concord natives and Civil War veterans; however, the cemetery is best known for “Author’s Ridge,” where some of America’s most iconic authors and poets are…
Washington’s Stand at Fort Necessity
Long before he assumed his role at the head of Continental forces during the American Revolution, a young George Washington gained crucial combat experience in the wilds of the North American interior (today’s southwest Pennsylvania). Washington’s stand at Fort Necessity proved untenable and he was forced to surrender his force, which would be the first…