Wednesday, August 20th, 7pm
Did you know there was a shot fired in Danvers, MA during August of 1774?
General Gage’s “87 Days at Danvers” June 2 – August 27, 1774
A presentation by William Kossowan
A discussion of what should be viewed as the First Campaign of the American Revolutionary War. And, contrary to popular thought, within that ‘juggernaut’ perhaps the ‘First’ shot fired in that War possibly occurring in Danvers Massachusetts on August 24, 1774.
The Boston Tea Party, which occurred on December 16, 1773, is considered to be the catalytic event that triggered the American Revolutionary War. In retaliation for ‘the destruction of the tea’, General Thomas Gage – Commander In Chief of all British military forces in North America, was sent to replace the governor of Massachusetts and take charge of the situation. Upon his arrival Governor-General Gage closed the Port of Boston in retribution, moved the provincial capital to Salem, made Marblehead the official port of entry, and took up residence & made his office in Danvers. The hope was his military presence along with his geopolitical actions would nip the escalating rage of provincial revolution in the bud – It did not.
Unbelievably what occurred during those crucial 87 days has been vastly ignored and dismissed by virtually every history professional. What few who mentioned that period touched upon it lightly – noting nothing worthy of mention. Some describing Governor-General Gage’s time on the North Shore as a geopolitical campaign, inferring that it was more of a summer vacation – it was not.
This talk is to review the mosaic of known facts significantly pertinent to the American Revolutionary War which occurred during those 87 days and put into perspective the overt acts of revolt which both preceded and followed that time.
In-depth presentation about locals firing at the Hooper-Collins house that once stood on Sylvan Street.
We are proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program.
Speaker Series typically every 3rd Wednesday, 7pm.
Including a temporary exhibit of related artifacts from the Society’s collections.
Tapley Memorial Hall 13 Page Street, Danvers MA.
Danvers Historical Society: 978-777-1666 or E-mail to dhs@danvershistory.org Donations appreciated.