In October 1774, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress ordered the towns across the colony to prepare for war with England. In response, Essex County entered a wartime phase that included creating minute-man companies, stockpiling arms, ammunition, and equipment, and establishing a defense network ready to mobilize if the redcoats marched from Boston into the countryside.
Join Alexander Cain as he discusses the county’s response to the British threat of war on the eve of Lexington and Concord.
After the lecture, attendees can stay to witness live demonstrations of the types of drills used by local militias in 1775. Reenactors from the Danvers Alarm List Company will demonstrate the Pickering Manual of Arms, while the Lexington Minutemen will demonstrate the 1764 Crown Manual. These demonstrations will offer a hands-on look at how militias trained and prepared for battle in the years leading up to the Revolution.
Guests are welcome to arrive at 9:00 am for some coffee and light refreshments, the lecture will begin at 9:30am with the drilling demonstrations to follow right after.
The Lecture portion will be limited to 75 participants, but all are welcome to attend the drill demonstrations. Please be aware that the reenactors will be firing muskets during these demonstrations, which will result in loud booms and smoke.
