The Danvers Historical Society invites you to follow along with us as we explore the people and events leading up to the War of Independence. Here in Massachusetts, and especially Essex County, we begin the commemoration sooner than 2026, due to the many events that happened here prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Each month, we will post an account of events important to the struggle for independence. Where possible, these stories will relate specifically to Danvers and the surrounding area of Essex County. Follow along and Discover Danvers!
January | In early 1775, Danvers had a population of approximately 2200. Committees of Safety were created to enforce the non-import and non-export directive of the First Continental Congress. Each Danvers man was ordered to have an effective firearm, bayonet, thirty rounds of cartridges and balls and other equipment. If he could not afford these, the Town saw that it was provided. The town was also prepared to pay each man one shilling per half day of service. Samuel Page (Jeremiah’s son), made 2652 cartridges with the Town’s allotment of gunpowder and distributed it among the militia men. Danvers Historical Collections, Vol. 44, p. 60, 73
9 January | Town Meeting votes to “encourage one-quarter part of the Train Band soldiers of this town to enlist as minutemen”. DHC, Vol. 44, p. 73
19 January | A Town ordinance was voted to prohibit the holding of “parties at Houses of Entertainment, for the purpose of Dancing, Feasting, etc.” DHC Vol. 44, p. 61
Find out what's happening in Danversfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
For the complete timeline, go to https://www.danvershistory.org...
