The year 1775 was significant in Marblehead and the American colonies. Though we celebrate 1776 as the start, the war really began the year before. Events built steadily throughout the year, each step leading the colonies to the final, inevitable break with England, the Declaration of Independence and full out war.
In February, Redcoats marched through Marblehead on their way to and from what became known as Leslie’s Retreat in Salem. British soldiers were ordered to destroy powder and weapons in Salem. Colonial militias gathered at North Bridge in response. They faced off and the confrontation ended when British commander Col. Alexander Leslie ordered his soldiers not to fight; they turned and marched back to their ship in Marblehead Harbor.
In March, the city of Boston was occupied by British troops, under the command of Gen. Thomas Gage. This was a tense time, during which colonial citizens realized what was at stake for them. At that time, Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech.
In April, continued concerns by British officials about colonial stockpiling of weapons and gunpowder as well as growing unrest resulted in the plan to march to capture munitions stored in Lexington and Concord. News of the impending action leaked to the rebels, which led to Paul Revere’s ride to warn “every village and town” that the Redcoats were coming.
At a meeting near Lexington that same night, Sam Adams and John Hancock, along with Elbridge Gerry, Jeremiah Lee and Azor Orne from Marblehead were meeting to discuss plans for the Revolution. It was their fear of being caught by the Redcoats that led them to hide in a cornfield overnight, leading to Lee’s subsequent death from pneumonia.
The following morning, on April 19, 1775, at Lexington and Concord the “shot heard ’round the world” was fired, and the American Revolution had begun.
The 14th Continental Regiment, also known as Glover’s Regiment, was raised as a Massachusetts militia regiment in 1775. It became part of the Continental Army during the summer of 1775. Glover’s Regiment was composed of fishermen and sailors from Marblehead and nearby towns.
The Second Continental Congress took place in Philadelphia in May, with Elbridge Gerry in attendance. George Washington was named commander in chief of the Revolutionary army.
On June 17, led by Captain Samuel Trevett, another Marblehead company marched to Boston, where they fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and two men from Marblehead were killed.
Over the summer of 1775, Elbridge Gerry of Marblehead urged George Washington to arm colonial privateers. He realized the need for what would become the U.S. Navy; ships to capture British vessels and steal their ammunition. Gen. John Glover was authorized by Gen. George Washington to find vessels, arm them and send them out as legalized privateers. The first vessel was the Hannah, a seaworthy fishing schooner that was one of Glover’s own ships. Nicholson Broughton of Marblehead became her captain, and the crew was mostly from Marblehead as well. The ship was outfitted as a war vessel at Beverly, provided with cannons for attack and defense. In September 1775, Hannah went to sea as the first ship of the Navy, also known as “Washington’s Fleet.”
The continuing unrest of the people and steady preparations for war continued throughout the winter and spring until July of 1776 when the Declaration of Independence officially proclaimed war on England.
Pam Peterson chairs the Marblehead Historical Commission. She is the former Marblehead Museum executive director.
