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!
1 February | Second Provincial Congress convenes in Cambridge
2 February | John Hancock chosen as President of Provincial Congress
6 February | John Sawyer of Rowley offers a Troop of Horse to the Provincial Congress https://essexheritage.org/ Road to Revolution
9 February | “Resolved – it be recommended by this Congress to every family in the province, to preserve all their linen and cotton and linen rags as well as to encourage the manufacture aforesaid” https://essexheritage.org/ Road to Revolution
13 February | The Provincial Congress authorizes communication with Indigenous tribes and the Province of Quebec in hopes of bringing them into supporting the colonial cause
16 February | Provincial Congress adjourns
26 February | General Thomas Gage, military governor, knew that colonists were arming themselves against possible encounters with his Royal troops. He sends Lt-Col. Alexander Leslie and troops of the 64th Regiment of Foot to arrive in Marblehead and march to Salem at the North Bridge on orders to capture rebel cannon stored there. Salem and Danvers militiamen give armed resistance and remove cannon to Danvers. Men who took up arms included Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth and Samuel Epes’ South Danvers militia company. Leslie agreed to march a short distance across the river after the drawbridge was lowered and finding no guns, turned and marched back to Marblehead. The road Leslie marched his men across and back is now Rt. 114. Danvers Historical Collections, Vol. 44, p.61, 73; The Bicentennial Guide to the American Revolution, Vol. I, S. Stember, p. 285 - 289.
For more about Leslie’s Retreat, activities and events commemorating this significant local incident, go to https://www.salem400.org/lesli...
